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ABUJA – Global Rights and The Kukah Centre (TKC) have stressed the urgent need for dynamic and holistic strategies to tackle the persistence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.
According to the organisations, previous efforts have fallen short due to their inability to address the root causes of the menace.
Speaking during a capacity-building programme on “GBV Community Prevention and Response” held in Abuja, yesterday, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, Executive Director of TKC, stated the limitations of existing interventions. He noted that while numerous initiatives have been implemented to curb SGBV, their impact has often been superficial.
He said, “Many past efforts focused primarily on immediate responses, such as providing legal or medical assistance to survivors. While these are critical, they fail to address the underlying cultural, economic, and systemic factors driving gender-based violence.”
He further called for a shift towards preventive measures that include community engagement, education, and the strengthening of institutional frameworks to support survivors and deter perpetrators.
He observed that while workshops and training programmes often emphasise legal frameworks, they tend to neglect the underlying socio-economic and cultural factors that fuel sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in local communities.
Barkindo remarked, “For decades, some regions of the country have faced significant deficits in education, economic support, and employment opportunities. These disparities hinder efforts to raise awareness about the law, let alone ensure compliance with it.”
He emphasised that addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) necessitates tackling the underlying economic, cultural, and patriarchal systems that perpetuate the disempowerment of women and girls.
He further noted that education must go beyond basic literacy. It should serve as a tool for empowering women and children by providing them with opportunities and economic independence, thereby fostering confidence and dignity.
He also highlighted that economic empowerment is crucial in reducing dependence and vulnerabilities, which often expose individuals to the risks of SGBV.
Noya Sedi, the programme officer, Global Rights, represented at the event, also stressed the importance of fostering partnerships between government agencies, civil society organisations, and community leaders to combat the issue.
Speaking also at the event, the Programme Manager of Global Rights, Edosa Oviawe, in his remarks stated that Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) leaves scars far deeper than the immediate harm it causes.
He said, “Beyond the physical and emotional trauma, it ripples through families, communities, and generations, eroding trust, dignity, and the fabric of society. Yet, perpetrators rarely consider these lasting consequences in their fleeting moments of cruelty. It’s time we amplify this truth: every act of SGBV isn’t just a crime against an individual, it’s a wound on humanity itself.”
