Community leaders, youth, and women participate in a three-day training to address gender-based violence and empower women in Abuja.
Nigeria is facing a gender-based violence (GBV) crisis that few dare to talk about openly. From domestic abuse to cultural taboos that punish multiple births or stigmatise persons with albinism, violence against women is deeply rooted in tradition and reinforced by law enforcement gaps.
Speaking in Abuja during a three-day GBV training organised by ActionAid Nigeria and CITAD, Niri Goyit, Women’s Rights Specialist at ActionAid, called the problem a “pandemic”, a silent epidemic that denies women fundamental human rights and treats them as second-class citizens.
“Gender-based violence is not just abuse, it is the denial of life, freedom of speech, movement, and association, when women are silenced, society loses half its potential. And the cycle of violence continues.” Goyit said.
The Gap Between Law and Justice
She maintained that Nigeria is not short of laws. From the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law to the Child Rights Act and cyber laws addressing online harassment, legislation exists, but enforcement is weak, inconsistent, or absent.
“Perpetrators act with impunity when justice is delayed or denied. Survivors need confidence that reporting will lead to action. Without that, the system protects the abuser, not the victim.” Goyit warned
Culture, Not Biology, Drives Abuse
Hajara Opaluwa-Adamu, ActionAid’s Local Rights Programme Advisor, who noted that ActionAid and CITAD’s work exposes how social norms, not biology, perpetuate violence, revealed that, “In some Abuja communities, women are denied decision-making power, while girls are prevented from accessing education, and harmful stereotypes govern everyday life”.
“Some communities still practice facticide and stigmatize persons with albinism,” said “Cultural taboos make women vulnerable, and these are reinforced by both men and sometimes women themselves.”
She emphasized that the three-day training brought together traditional and religious leaders, youth, women, and men, aiming to break harmful cycles and empower women to take leadership roles.
Technology as a Weapon Against Violence
Speaking on how ICT initiatives are changing the fight. Yasmin Salako CITAD Programms Officer, explained that six ICT centers now connect communities to global forums, educational programs, and advocacy networks.
“Economic empowerment reduces vulnerability, violence affects everyone, but women bear the brunt. Giving women skills and access to resources is a frontline defense against GBV.” Salako said.
Community-Led Solutions
According to her, ActionAid and CITAD emphasized localized, sustainable approaches, by creating referral systems linking victims to legal, health, and psychosocial support, while also engaging community custodians, aimed at addressing GBV within cultural contexts without alienating communities.
“Changing mindsets takes time, but engaging leaders, youth, men, and women builds a foundation for lasting change.” Salako said.
A Long Road Ahead
Progress is uneven. In new areas like Gwagwalada, entrenched stereotypes persist. Girls are still denied educational opportunities, and harmful practices remain.
“Economic violence is a form of GBV, empowered women can resist exploitation and abuse, breaking cycles of violence.” Salako maintained
She acknowledged that through training, community engagement, and technology, ActionAid and CITAD will continue fostering a generation of informed, empowered, and accountable citizens, proving that the fight against GBV requires action at every level.
Nigeria’s women may still be silenced, but organizations like ActionAid and CITAD are giving them a voice—and a chance to fight back.
Reporting by Emmanuel Nnorom
About the Author
