Group commences 16-day campaign against gender based violence in Abuja

The Women Community in Africa (WCA), a nongovernmental organisation, yesterday began its 16-day campaign activity on gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls in Abuja as the globe observes International Day for Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls. The president of Women Community in Africa (WCA), Dr. Adetoun Dally, stated that violence against women and […]

The Women Community in Africa (WCA), a nongovernmental organisation, yesterday began its 16-day campaign activity on gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls in Abuja as the globe observes International Day for Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls.

The president of Women Community in Africa (WCA), Dr. Adetoun Dally, stated that violence against women and girls is not just a violation of human rights but also an assault on human dignity and a threat to the fabric of society on the opening day of the GBV campaign in Abuja.

She said the ripple effects of violence weaken trust, erode compassion, dehumanise victims, and often result in long-term psychological trauma and, tragically, loss of life.

For the sake of every society’s well-being, she said, it is now imperative to handle the growing wave of online abuse, including cyberstalking, harassment, trolling, and the non-consensual posting of private photos.

However, in order to guarantee that justice is done, she urged lawmakers in the national assembly to pass and reinforce legislation that would safeguard women and girls online. She also suggested that law enforcement authorities give priority to incidents of digital abuse.

Dr Dally, who emphasised the need for technology companies to improve safety measures and accountability on their platforms and increase investment in prevention, also urged civil societies and other NGOs to increase advocacy and public education.

She urged the culture of silence to end since it only serves to empower abusers. In order to help survivors with empathy and action both online and offline, we must awaken the collective desire to do better, to speak up, and to take action.

“So as we commence the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) 2025, under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” the Women Community in Africa (WCA), also encourage an end to the culture of silence, which only continues to empower abusers,” she said.