The United Nations Association of Africa (UNAA) has renewed its call for stronger, coordinated action to eliminate violence against women and girls, stressing that the fight requires collective responsibility, investment, and education across all levels of society.
Speaking in Lagos during an event marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, themed “Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls,” the Director of Community Health and Ghana Country Director of UNAA, Princess Gifty Okafor, said that gender-based violence remains one of the most pressing human rights challenges worldwide.
The event also featured the official launch of the UNAA Girls’ Mentorship Club, an initiative aimed at promoting awareness, prevention, and timely response to all forms of violence against women and girls through mentorship and education.
Princess Okafor noted that violence against women transcends culture, religion, and social class, adding that it is essential to educate communities on the importance of equality and mutual respect.
“No society can achieve peace, prosperity, or sustainable development while half of its population lives in fear,” she said. “Ending violence against women is not optional — it is a fundamental right to justice, development, and human security. Together, we must build a world where every woman and girl lives free of fear and full of opportunity.”
She emphasized that investing in prevention — through education, empowerment, and policy enforcement — was key to achieving true gender equality.
Also speaking, Mr. Toyin Ogunjare, Head of the Mathematics Department at Yaba College of Technology and a girls’ rights advocate, commended Nigeria’s progress in promoting women’s rights but warned that weak implementation of laws and limited access to justice continue to hinder real progress.
“Eliminating violence against women requires a multifaceted approach involving education, strong legal frameworks, community engagement, and support systems for survivors,” Ogunjare said.
Renowned media executive Agatha Amata urged women to focus on self-worth, self-discovery, and empowerment, encouraging them to identify and nurture their unique talents.
She stressed that education and financial independence are vital for achieving women’s empowerment, noting that economically empowered women are more likely to become community leaders and change agents.
Similarly, Mrs. Olusola Racheal Adeyinka, Principal of Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls’ Secondary School, reminded women and girls of their inherent worth and leadership potential.
“Women are not second-class citizens. We are leaders — confident, capable, and deserving of every opportunity to speak up and thrive,” she said.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen advocacy, build resilience, and create safe spaces where women and girls can live, learn, and lead without fear of violence or discrimination.
