By Angela Atabo
Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) in collaboration with the UN Women have floated a campaign to address violence against women in Nigeria.
Dr Arome Salifu, Executive Director AYGF, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
Salifu said that the UN Women’s `UNITE to End Violence Against Women’ initiative was inaugurated to create a robust awareness in support of the 16 Days of Activism against Sexual Violence Against Women.
“UN Women’s Unite to End Violence Against Women initiative aims to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls worldwide.
“Under the guidance of the UN Secretary General, this initiative aligns with the civil society led 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence campaign, observed annually from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10.
“ The theme for this year’s campaign is UNITE Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.”
He said the campaign ”appeals to governments, civil society, women organisations, youth, the private sector, media, and the UN system to unite against the pervasive global issue of violence against women and girls”.
Salifu said that AYGF had initiated several impactful campaigns to amplify the message.
He called on citizens, global entities, media organisations, and relevant stakeholders both nationally and internationally to take decisive action in the fight against sexual violence targeting women.
“Our initiatives began with a sensitisation campaign at Doveland International School, commemorating the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence,’’ he added.
Salifu said that the foundation also conducted informative sessions for children and teenagers of diverse age groups, addressing critical issues and providing resources to mark the 16 days of activism.
He said ending the widespread pandemic of violence against women and girls require concerted and collaborative efforts, so that together, there would be a safer world for women and girls. (NAN)
