The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has announced its plans for the 2025 International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The activities which commences on Monday, showed a sweeping nationwide plan and a renewed call for stronger protections for women and girls, as the Commission also marks its 30th anniversary.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu said the anniversary provided an important moment to reflect on three decades of work advancing justice, dignity, and equality in Nigeria — while acknowledging that gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the gravest human rights violations confronting the country.
He said: “For 30 years, the Commission has remained a steadfast voice for accountability and human rights. This year’s campaign gives us the opportunity not only to reflect on our journey but to intensify the fight against all forms of violence, especially against women and girls.”
The 16 Days of Activism — observed annually from November 25 to December 10 — is part of a global movement launched in 1991 by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. It links the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with Human Rights Day, symbolizing that violence against women is a direct violation of human rights.
Ojukwu noted that Nigeria remains committed to this global call.
He said: “Gender-based violence is unacceptable in every form. These 16 days remind us that survivors must be heard, supported, and protected.”
This year’s programme, one of the NHRC’s most extensive yet, includes coordinated activities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Ojukwu, the activities are designed to strengthen prevention, improve accountability, and reinforce protection structures nationwide.
Marking its 30-year milestone, the NHRC urged the National Assembly to pass legislation creating special constituencies for women — a long-standing proposal aimed at improving female representation in public office.
“Denying affirmative action is itself a form of violence against women,” the Commission emphasized. “Empowerment must include political participation.”
The Commission also highlighted multiple empowerment programmes conducted in partnership with local and international organisations. These include:Support for over 60 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence under the EU/UNDP Spotlight Initiative; Financial grants for vulnerable women in collaboration with the Taipei Trade Office; Economic empowerment for more than 100 indigent women through the Thelma Lion Foundation; Distribution of sewing machines, grinding machines, and hair dryers to over 300 women through partnerships with National Assembly members; Ongoing collaboration with the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation to support SGBV survivors.
Ojukwu said: “These interventions are meant to strengthen the socio-economic resilience of women and reduce vulnerabilities.”
He reassured Nigerians that the commission will continue to carry out its mandate with fairness and impartiality.
He said: “We will not allow gender-based violence or any human rights violation to go unaddressed. Every complaint matters, and every perpetrator must be held accountable.”
As the 16-day campaign begins, Ojukwu called on government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, the private sector, and individuals to join in the fight to end violence against women.
“Awareness is not enough,”Ojukwu said. “We must turn commitments into action and build a Nigeria where women and girls can live free from fear, discrimination, and harmful practices.”
