Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), has reiterated its call to institutions and relevant stakeholders to collaborate and work to end all forms of gender-based violence (GBV).
According to the Foundation, putting an end to gender-based violence and discrimination is a global priority that requires collective action.
It made the call in a statement Friday in commemoration of the 2022 16 Days of Activism on Ending all Gender Based Violence Against Women and Girls with the theme “UNiTE! Activism to end Violence Against Women and Girls.”
The statement noted that violence against Women and Girls was a clear gross violation of the fundamental human rights of women and girls.
“It is a global health and developmental issue that cuts across economics, culture, religion, and age. It is also one of the most extreme expressions of unequal gender relations in our society. It remains a critical factor for the optimum contribution and development of women and girls in our society.
“As the world marks this year’s 16 days of Activism on ending Gender-Based Violence. Ipas Nigeria health Foundation calls on all stakeholders to join together in the ‘’Orange the world’’ activism campaign through mass sensitisation, prevention, protection and enforcement measures to eliminate these ills in our society.
“The World Health Organization estimates that about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual, intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
“While the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018 found that 9 percent of women aged 15 to 49 had suffered sexual assault at least once in their lifetime and 31% had experienced physical violence,” the statement read in part.