By Folusho Alade,Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday , 21st of November, 2025 commenced activities to usher in its annual global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence for the year 2025 with a renewed call for stronger national action to end violence against women and girls.
The 2025 edition of the 16 days of activism against gender based violence coincides with the Commission’s 30th anniversary celebration.
Speaking at a World Press conference to herald the 16 days of activism, the
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN noted that for three decades, the Commission has served as a steadfast voice for justice, dignity and equality. He added that the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on past achievements while strengthening the resolve to confront emerging human rights concerns, especially gender-based violence.
Ojukwu stressed that the 16 Days campaign remained a powerful global movement linking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to International Human Rights Day. He warned that gender-based violence remained one of the most pervasive violations in the country, calling for concerted efforts across government institutions, communities, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media.
In his words: “Every voice especially the most vulnerable must be heard, supported and protected.”
The ES highlighted that this year’s theme, which focused on ending digital violence against women and girls, reflected the rising threats posed by technology-facilitated abuse.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s determination to expand sensitization efforts, deepen community engagement, enhance the capacity of first responders and leverage digital platforms to protect women and girls while urging the National Assembly to pass legislation creating special constituencies for women, insisting that the failure to implement affirmative action constitutes a violation of women’s rights.
As part of the nationwide campaign to against gender based violence the NHRC says it is engaging state actors, traditional rulers, religious bodies, the judiciary, youth groups, schools and media institutions to strengthen prevention and accountability systems.
According to the Commission, the reports from these engagements will be analysed and used to guide further advocacy and policy recommendations toward addressing harmful practices and enhancing protection for survivors.
Ojukwu also highlighted the Commission’s ongoing partnerships with national and international organisations, including the EU, UNDP, Spotlight Initiative, Taipei Trade Office, Thelma Lion Foundation and members of the National Assembly. Through these collaborations, the Commission has empowered hundreds of survivors with grants, work tools and other forms of support aimed at reducing vulnerability to gender-based violence.
The World Press conference had in attendance stakeholders including representatives from the Inner Wheel Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Eduka Trauma Care Center and other civil society groups .
In a goodwill message, Felicia Agbonhese, District Chair of Innerwheel District 910 stressed that the organization stand United in the call to eliminate gender based violence.
“Gender Based violence happen everywhere, it is not a woman problem but human rights crisis” she added.
Also speaking, Ene Ede-Eduka of Trauma Care Center while advocating for more funding for the NHRC said the executive secretary of the human rights commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu has helped put in place policies against sexual harassment .
In her words: “I don’t know of any organization that have documents like the NHRC, we celebrate Dr. Ojukwu”.
Also the Executive Director, Women Health Right, Yeye Bunmi Dipo-Salami praised the efforts of the Commission in the past 30 years.
According to Dipo- Salami, the NHRC under the leadership of Dr. Tony Ojukwu has grown in leaps and bounds, “we know it is not easy with low allocation, yet you stand with women” Dipo Salami said.
The Executive Secretary however assured Nigerians of the Commission’s continued impartiality and commitment to justice, while promising that the Commission would not allow any form of human rights violation to go unaddressed.
Ojukwu in his address called for collective responsibility in eliminating gender-based violence, insisting that awareness must translate into concrete action to build safer communities.
“As we mark these 16 days and every day beyond we must reaffirm our commitment to human dignity, equality and justice,” he said.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established through the NHRC Act 1995 for the promotion and protection of Human Rights in Nigeria. The establishment of the Commission was in fulfillment of Nigeria’s International obligation under Resolution 48/134 of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly mandating all member countries of the UN to establish National Human Rights Institutions in their domain for the promotion and protection of human rights. One of the key mandate of the Commission is to create awareness on human rights issues.
The 16 days of activism against gender based violence will take place in all the 36 states of the federation including the FCT.
