‘31% of Nigerian women suffer sexual, physical violence’

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said 31 percent of women aged 15–49 experienced physical violence, while over 28 percent have suffered sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.  She said the statistics reflected the “stark reality” of the country despite some progress recorded in the fight against Gender […]

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said 31 percent of women aged 15–49 experienced physical violence, while over 28 percent have suffered sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.

 She said the statistics reflected the “stark reality” of the country despite some progress recorded in the fight against Gender Based Violence.

The minister spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a working visit and brief stop-over at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in the state capital.

She was welcomed to the state by the Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele; First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, among other top female functionaries in the state.

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The minister said that, “Across Nigeria, 31 percent of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, while over 28 percent have suffered sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. 

“These are not mere statistics; they are daughters, sisters, mothers and neighbours. Each number carries a human face and a human story. They remind us that gender-based violence is not a private problem but a community crisis that undermines peace, family life, and development.”

The minister said the statistics showed that major stakeholders must act urgently, with both compassion and commitment.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, explained that the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and the Women Development Centre were established because the state government believes that “healing must go hand in hand with rebuilding.”