The CANs foundation has partnered with the National Agency for the prohibition of trafficking of persons for the ongoing 16 Days of Activism event happening globally. In a press statement, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dr. Fatimi Waziri- Azi disclosed that NAPTIP and its partners have concluded plans to reach out to about 10million persons in Nigeria affected by various forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) during the 16 Days of activism.
The event kicked off on the 25th of November, 2021 with a 7th Network Conference of the Sexual Assault Referral center of Nigeria (SARC) and a sensitization walk on the 26th of November 2021. Another lineup of events will include a school visit with the DG of NAPTIP, a visit shelter visit, and lots more. The CANS foundation has planned its internal events to mark the 16days of Activism. A Virtual forum discussion organized by the CANs foundation was held on the 26th of November 2021, on Family Engagement in SGBV Prevention and Response. The Executive Director of Youth Hub Africa, Rotimi Olawale, who spoke at the event called on more family engagement in the issues of SGBV.
Furthermore, Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) SGBV Advocate Tolu Ojeshina highlighted the challenges of SGBV in Nigeria as it pertains to the family unit. According to statistics by the UNFPA, Incidences of GBV have skyrocketed in Northeastern Nigeria, with nearly 3 in 10 Nigerian women reported having experienced physical violence by Age 15. The rising cases in Gender-based violence in Nigeria necessitates the collaboration of stakeholders during the 16 days of Activism and beyond, to ensure the eradication of violence against women in Nigeria.
To improve the reporting and alleviation of cases of GBV the CAN’s foundation had, unveiled a mobile solution, UNSUB, which connects victims of gender-based violence with the stakeholders who can provide help. UNSUB as a GBV reporting tool will be highlighted through the 16days of Activism, as playing an important role in the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria.
