By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, HD has again advocated urgent action from all stakeholders at all levels to hold perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable, and invest in solutions to protect women and girls.

The Country Manager of HD Nigeria, Chris Agoha stated this on Tuesday during the celebration of the last day of the 16 Days of Activism which had the theme: “Towards Beijing +30 UNITE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”

HD organized the event with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, GIZ, and the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, PPBA.

In a welcome remark, Agoha noted, “The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025 is a unique opportunity for the international community to reflect on its promise that every woman and girl should enjoy a life free from discrimination, exclusion, and violence.

“Looking ahead of 2030 and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, including eliminating violence against women, urgent action is needed at all levels to hold perpetrators accountable, and invest in solutions to protect women and girls.”

He stated that HD has been implementing programmes that put women and girls on a pivotal pedestal to ensure their voices are heard and respected. He urged everyone to play their part and make a difference in uniting to end violence against women and girls.

Myriam Wedraogo who is the Head of Programmes, PEACECORE, GIZ added that all efforts are necessary to create awareness and advocate for stringent measures to end gender-based violence as well as garner support for survivors.

Her words, “Over the years, GIZ has consistently supported the 16 Days of Activism campaign through impactful awareness initiatives and activities. This is demonstrating our unwavering support for millions worldwide who stand united against gender-based violence.

“The PEACECORE Il Project is one of the only two projects in GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS with what is called a GG2 marker. This means that we are gender transformative and aim to strengthen the delivery of global results on gender equality and the empowerment of women and individuals in vulnerable situations through our activities.

“Our measures primarily target women, and girls to promote gender equality and improve the lives of a group suffering gender-based disadvantage (usually women and girls).

“Therefore, | am glad that today, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and Plateau Peace Building Agency has organized this programme which aligns not only with our guiding principles but with a global movement towards the great cause of ending violence against women and girls. All efforts are necessary to create awareness, advocate for stringent measures, and support survivors.”

She asked that attention should be paid to anyone who reports any form of gender-based violence and safe spaces should be created for survivors of violence.

Earlier, Professor Funmi Para-Mallam in a keynote address warned that GBV in Nigeria is a ticking time bomb, and if nothing is done to holistically address the issue, it will prevent optimal use of national human resource capacity.

She recommended the use of the seven Ps framework which are policies, prevention, protection, prevalence, prosecution, partnerships, and provision of services to address the issues of gender-based violence.

The State Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, Director-General of PPBA, Julie Sanda, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Panglang represented by Sunday Dongbin, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Olivia Dazyam, the State Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Alexander Adole, among others gave their respective perspectives and reiterated the resolve to tackle GBV.