FIDA Nigeria joins the world in commemorating the annual 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a lineup of several activities, commencing from 25th November to 10th December 2020.

This year has been a challenging year in the world with the Covid-19 Pandemic and then in Nigeria came the #EndSARS/Police Brutality protests which resulted in crises and curfews nationwide causing further distress to the vulnerable in society.

In all of this, FIDA Nigeria acted in line with the theme for this year – we Funded, supported Programs, responded to calls, and strived to Prevent all forms of GBV against the vulnerable in society.

Ending gender-based discrimination and violence is a global priority that requires collective action, Accordingly, as the world marks this year’s 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence, FIDA Nigeria calls on all stakeholders to play an active part in the sensitization, prevention, protection and enforcement to ensure the Elimination of these ills in our society.

This call is imperative as the rate of violence has escalated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other related reasons, reports clearly show an alarming increase in the already existing pandemic of violence against women and children.

The UN Secretary-General in delivering his report on, “Shared Responsibility, Global Solidarity: Responding to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19″ stated that” Accompanying the crisis has been a spike in domestic violence reporting, at exactly the time that services, including rule of law, health and shelters, are being diverted to address the pandemic”.

FIDA Nigeria in her bid to curb the high rate of GBV during the lockdown engaged in different programs, ranging from press releases/conference, advocacy visits (to Attorney Generals, IGP & Media Houses), sensitizations, Rallies and social media campaigns.
In commemoration of the 2020 16 days activism against Gender-based violence on the theme” Fund, Respond, Prevent and Collect” FIDA is putting together a project to provide access of justice at the grassroots level for victims of Gender-based violence by training paralegals. We call on the support of the Federal and State Governments to fund this project in addition to the establishment of Gender Desks at police stations and the Ministry of Justice with trained personnel for accelerated treatment of cases, one-stop referral centres in all states with rapid response units and sex offenders register with a shared database; free and compulsory medical treatment for victims and compulsory psycho-analysis for the accused, special courts for the trial of GBV cases.

Protection for victims of GBV; the accelerated adoption of the VAPP Act and the Child Rights Act in all States, and the review of the Penal Code to be in tandem with the VAPP Act.

We insist on the implementation of all legislation related to gender-based violence.
FIDA Nigeria remains committed to protecting, promoting and preserving the rights of woman and children and will continue to provide free legal representation and advice to survivors of Rape.

#RespectNotRape
#StopTheCultureOfSilence
#StopAllFormsOfViolence
#NoMeansNo
#FIDAsaysNotoVAW
#OrangetheWorldStopGenderBasedViolence
#GenerationEqualityStandsAgainstRape

Rhoda Prevail Tyoden
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria

Eliana Martins
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria

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