The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has raised concerns over a rising number of boys and men becoming victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria. In a statement released on Tuesday, the institute emphasized that while women and girls remain the most vulnerable, the growing number of male victims must also be addressed in the fight against SGBV.
The statement underscored that achieving sustainable democracy and good governance in Nigeria cannot be realized without confronting the critical issues of sexual and gender-based violence. The institute called for greater collaboration among key stakeholders, including federal and state governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to accelerate efforts to end SGBV in the country.
Dr. Roba Sharamo, Director for the Africa and West Asia Region at International IDEA, made this call during the 10th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in Abuja. The event, organized by the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Programme in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice Sexual and Gender-based Violence Response Unit, is part of activities to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Dr. Sharamo highlighted the challenges women face in entering political spaces due to SGBV, citing the abuse of women candidates and online harassment as significant barriers. He also emphasized that sexual violence against men and boys must not be overlooked in the broader context of SGBV.
He commended the efforts of Sexual Assault Referral Centres, noting that since the establishment of the first centre in 2018, 47 centres across 22 states have assisted over 51,000 survivors of sexual assault. The network of centres continues to make significant strides in providing support to survivors.
In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by the Director of Women Development, Friya Bulus, reiterated the importance of the SGBV campaign this year in raising awareness and mobilizing action against gender-based violence. She stressed the need for sustained advocacy and increased support for survivors.
The campaign aims to intensify efforts to end violence against women and girls, mobilize stakeholders, and provide critical services to survivors of gender-based violence.
