The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has unveiled a narrative of systemic violence against women and girls, with nearly one million crimes recorded in 2022 and 2023.
At an event marking the 16 Days of Activism Campaign in Abuja, UNODC’s Country Representative Cheikh Toure delivered an indictment of societal indifference, warning that one in two women become victims annually, with the true number likely far higher.
“Home, which should be a sanctuary, often becomes a site of violence,” Toure declared. “Most victims don’t report their abuse because society still blames them, denies support, and fails to deliver justice.”
The statistics paint a grim picture: these crimes represent a staggering 20% of all police-recorded offences, highlighting a national crisis that demands immediate and comprehensive action.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola, emphasised the critical need to recognise women’s rights as fundamental human rights. “Women constitute roughly half of our nation’s population,” she stated. “By empowering both halves of society, we can attain our full potential.”
Toure’s analysis went beyond mere numbers, dissecting the complex social structures that perpetuate violence. He revealed that family members or intimate partners are responsible for over half of femicide cases—a statistic that exposes the deeply personal nature of these crimes.
“We need action, not words. Accountability, not excuses,” Toure stated, challenging institutions and society to confront uncomfortable truths about gender inequality.
The UNODC has developed innovative femicide reviews to comprehensively analyse these tragic events, looking beyond individual responsibility to examine systemic failures in healthcare, social services, and institutional support.
Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, represented by Dotun Omoleye, stressed that combating gender-based violence requires sustained, collective effort. “It is essential to continue supporting the fight against gender-based violence,” Omoleye said, “and our role as leaders is to advocate for stronger policies and resources that support survivors and prevent future incidents.”
The event, themed “Unite to End Violence Against Women,” highlighted a critical gap in addressing gender-based violence: the lack of comprehensive data, particularly in African countries. This data deficit significantly hampers efforts to understand and combat the issue effectively.
Toure pointedly noted that women’s limited access to public sector roles perpetuates structural inequalities. “This is not just about fairness,” he declared, “but about preventing the deepening of gender inequalities that can culminate in the most extreme manifestation of violence—femicide.”
The collaboration between the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership and UNODC signals a growing recognition of the need for multi-sectoral approaches to addressing gender-based violence.
As students, policymakers, and activists gathered, the message was clear: silence and inaction are no longer acceptable. The fight against gender-based violence requires a fundamental shift in societal norms, institutional practices, and collective consciousness.
“We must ensure that women have equal access to public institutions and opportunities,” Toure stated purposefully.
The statistics are more than just numbers—they represent lives interrupted, potential unrealised, and a societal failure that demands immediate and transformative action.
Featured image: VON
Follow the AkweyaTV channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7m7dvJuyA7h5XMc22i
