By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The Executive Director (ED), Lagos International Trade Fair Complex. Barr. Vera Ndanusa, has identified formal education for girls, as a powerful tool for employment, enabling them to make informed choices and break free from cycles of abuse.
She said if women are educated they will hardly subject themselves to wrong relationships that will lead to abusive partners.
Ndanusa stated this on Monday in Lagos in her message on the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
She called on all citizens to use the event as a rallying point to challenge harmful behaviors that perpetuate violence and discrimination against women and girls.
She emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in addressing gender-based violence.
The Trade Fair boss highlighted the global and national prevalence of such violence, which affects nearly one in three women worldwide and persists in various forms across Nigeria.
Ndanusa particularly drew attention to harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation, noting that these are often justified by cultural or religious norms and disproportionately affect women and girls in rural and underserved communities.
She outlined the need for a multi-sectoral approach to tackling the issue, stressing the importance of reporting and prosecuting perpetrators, as well as providing increased support for survivors of violence.
She urged Nigerians to dedicate the 16-day campaign to advancing efforts to eliminate gender-based violence and foster a safer society where individuals, regardless of gender, can live free from fear.
Ndanusa reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for women’s rights and encouraged collective action to address the pressing issue.
“Today, I join the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marking the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
“Gender-based violence remains one of the most widespread human rights violations, with nearly one in three women worldwide experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In Nigeria, harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation are still prevalent, often justified by cultural or religious norms.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which began on November 25, will run until December 10, Human Rights Day, with global and national activities aimed at raising awareness and inspiring change.
