Soroptimists International Launches 16 Days Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence
By Ifeoma Ikem
In a bid to combat the scourge of gender-based violence, Soroptimists International Nigeria Association (SINA), a non-governmental organization, has commenced its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
This annual international campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10, aims to raise awareness, mobilize action, and partner with stakeholders to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
The alarming rate of child molestation, rape and domestic violence against women has become a persistent concern in Nigeria. Many victims are forced into silence due to family threats and the fear of societal trauma. The 16 Days of Activism campaign seeks to break this silence and promote a culture of zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
According to Mrs Mubarak Augusto-Agoro,
President of SINA at a press conference at it’s Ikoyi-Lagos office, the organization is committed to making its voice heard on this critical issue.
As an NGO with general consultative status with the United Nations, SINA is poised to address the attitudes and behaviors that contribute to the fear of violence among women in their daily lives.
“As a leading women’s organization, we call on all our clubs in Nigeria to stand tall in orange, showing the world that we are part of this crusade to say no to violence against women and girls,” Agoro emphasized.
“We also urge politicians to match their commitments with adequate resources to stand with us and end violence against women and girls.”
The 16 Days of Activism campaign is a call to action for individuals, organizations and governments to work together to prevent violence and ensure justice for women and girls worldwide.
This year’s campaign also emphasizes the need for governments to assess their investments in gender-based violence prevention.
As SINA joins the global community in observing the 16 Days of Activism, the organization urges citizens to show solidarity by speaking out against gender-based violence and ensuring that justice is served when necessary. By working together, we can create a world free from violence against women and girls.
