NHRC plans 16-day activism to curb gender-based violence

Kolade Adeyemi, Jos

THE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Plateau State is set to organise a 16-day activism designed to find out ways of curbing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state and the country.

The Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the commission in the state, Mrs. Veronica Abe, in a statement in Jos, said the activities would begin on November 25 and end on December 10.

Abe, who expressed disgust about the spate of violence against women, noted that the event, aimed at addressing the problem and promoting human rights culture among the people, would hold simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

She said the commission would use the event to create public awareness on the protection and promotion of women and girls’ rights at all levels, galvanise advocacy efforts and share knowledge on violence against women and girls.

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“Globally, there has been an increased report on violence against women and girls. This was exacerbated by the recent lockdown introduced across countries to curb the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Nigeria was not less affected, as the commission was inundated with reports of forms of gender-based violence such as rape, domestic violence and other forms of harmful practices.

“In view of the above, we are undertaking a 16-day activism, which will hold from November 25 to December 10, to raise constructive public awareness on the protection and promotion of women and girls’ rights at all levels of the society.”