The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has flagged off the 2025 global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a renewed call for stronger national action to end violence against women and girls. The campaign, which began on Tuesday 25th November ,2025 in Abuja, is particularly symbolic this year as it coincided with the Commission’s 30th anniversary.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, at a World press conference held in Abuja today described the observance as a defining moment in Nigeria’s human rights journey. He 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. According to him, “Every voice especially the most vulnerable must be heard, supported and protected.”
The Executive Secretary 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 sensitisation efforts, deepen community engagement, enhance the capacity of first responders and leverage digital platforms to protect women and girls.
He further urged 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, the NHRC is engaging state actors, traditional rulers, religious bodies, the judiciary, youth groups, schools and media institutions to strengthen prevention and accountability systems. 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.
At the event, stakeholders including representatives from Inner Wheel Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Eduka Trauma Care Center and other civil society groups commended the NHRC for its commitment, leadership and consistent intervention on behalf of vulnerable populations. They praised the Commission’s documentation efforts, trauma-informed response mechanisms and its toll-free helpline, 6172, which connects survivors to responders nationwide.
While assuring Nigerians of continued impartiality and commitment to justice, Ojukwu pledged that the Commission would not allow any form of human rights violation to go unaddressed. He 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.
