A PREPARATORY PRESS BRIEFING MARKING THE KICK-OFF OF INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR ELIMINATION VIOLENCE AGAINST GENDER AND 16 DAYS ADVOCACY AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE.
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, distinguished guests and partners,
It is my honor and privilege to welcome you all to the official flag off of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence by the *National Civil Society Action for Peace, Good Governance and Community Development.*
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
In support of this civil society initiative, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign (UNiTE campaign) calls for global actions to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and innovations.
The global theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which will run from 25 November to 10 December 2021, is *“Orange the world: End violence against women now!”*
Therefore, to mark the official launch of this year’s edition of the 16 Days of Activism, we the National Civil Society Action for Peace, Good Governance and Community Development; wish to call upon the Federal Government of Nigeria, women groups, all civil society bodies and agencies, Faith based organisations, ministries, department and agencies as well as all well-meaning Nigerians; to take actions *NOW* towards the total elimination of Gender Based Violence and especially Violence against women and Girls.
Civil Societies are essential building blocks of development and national cohesion, we are a source of information for both citizens and government hence working in unison will maximize success.
Appreciating the critical role of Civil Society Groups in nation-building as we join the Global Community to observe this important day our appeal is for gender civil society based organisations to avoid politics and make sure they are guided by truth, information from relevant authorities in handling issues pertaining Gender Violence.
I reassure Nigerians that in the course of our activities we will welcome genuine reports and collectively we will make an appreciable step further towards eliminating this monster in the social circle of our society. The reoccurring case of a late student in Premiere Academy Abuja which has caught the attention of Amnesty International must be rationally analysed in line with the dictates of the law guiding investigation not believing in hearsay. The hospital where the girl died should be also investigated to know the root cause of the girl’s demise relying on information from relevant authorities.
Drug among women, COVID-19 negative impact to the economy has complicated gender-related violence all over the world hence all hands must be on deck to eliminate this ugly monster which is a treat to the realization of the sustainable development goal 5 which is critical to SDG.
I am convinced by the capacity of the CSO’s here in adding quantum value during these 16 days in creating opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions to gender-based violence.
Gentlemen of the Press, Civil Society Colleagues and stakeholders present, we will be inviting you again at the end of the 16 days after reports of the activities has been harmonized by our members and some relevant decisions taken. Wishing us all a purposeful driven campaign.
Let us join hands and *Orange our World Today* by getting actively involved.
Thank you
*Hon. Dr. Tunji John ASAOLU,* fidir, fimc, midpm
_Nigerian Representative @ the 3rd Permanent General Assembly of AU-ECOSOCC_
&
_The National Coordinator, National Civil Society Action for Peace,_
_Good Governance and Community Development._
*08037319116*; *08023367476*