Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has joined global efforts to combat gender-based violence, marking the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. In a message shared on Monday, she called for urgent action to address the alarming prevalence of violence faced by women worldwide.

“Nearly one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime,” Oluremi Tinubu highlighted in her post on X, emphasizing the widespread nature of the issue. The First Lady also pointed out the persistence of harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation in Nigeria, which are often rooted in cultural or religious beliefs.

While progress has been made, she stressed that many women and girls, especially in rural and underserved areas, remain trapped in cycles of violence and inequality. “Many women and girls remain trapped in these cycles,” she said, urging society to take immediate and decisive action to end these injustices.

The observance of November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism, was established by the United Nations in 1999. The date honors the Mirabal sisters, who were murdered in 1960 for their activism under the Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic.

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In her message, the First Lady emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing gender-based violence. She called for timely prosecution of perpetrators, increased support for survivors, and efforts to create safer environments for women and girls.

Oluremi Tinubu also highlighted education as a key factor in breaking the cycle of violence, particularly advocating for the education of the girl child. “Formal education for the girl child remains the key to liberating them and helping them make informed choices,” she explained, stressing the need for initiatives that provide girls with access to education across the country.

Her call resonated widely among stakeholders and advocacy groups. Gender rights advocate Amina Yusuf praised her commitment to education, noting that empowering girls enables them to resist harmful practices. Legal expert Chidi Nwosu also echoed the need for accountability, urging that the prosecution of offenders and justice for survivors go hand in hand with preventive efforts at the community level.

The First Lady concluded her statement with a call to action for all Nigerians to challenge harmful behaviors and contribute to creating a safer society. “Let us work together to ensure a safer society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live without fear of violence,” she urged.