Laraba MUREY
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Zone D, has called on state governments in the North Central region and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT to create dedicated funding for Gender-Based Violence, GBV, prevention and survivor support services.
The association made the call on Monday as the global community marked the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
In a statement signed by the Zonal Secretary, Juliana Ose Ofoku, the Vice President of Zone D, Chizoba Ogbeche, described violence against women and girls as a human rights emergency, noting that one in three women globally experiences some form of abuse.
Ogbeche said women journalists bear a crucial responsibility in advocating for survivors, challenging harmful narratives, and ensuring consistent media attention on violations that threaten the safety and dignity of women and girls.
She expressed concern that insecurity, economic hardship, harmful cultural norms and weak law enforcement continue to increase the vulnerability of women and girls across the region.
Ogbeche urged governments in the North Central states and the FCT to ensure full implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act, insisting that their enforcement remained inconsistent.
Despite rising awareness and an expanding legal framework, she said violence against women and girls was still widespread, under-reported and often downplayed.
She underscored the need to establish and strengthen GBV desks in police formations, schools and health institutions to improve response mechanisms.
Speaking on the 2025 global theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” Ogbeche said digital abuse was an extension of offline harm, enabled by technology used as a tool for control and intimidation.
She stressed that digital platforms should empower women and girls, not harm them, and urged stakeholders to work together to create safer online spaces where women’s voices are respected, protected and amplified.
