Dolapo Osinbajo, the wife of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has called for collective advocacy and action toward zero tolerance for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful practices.

Mrs Osinbajo made the call while unveiling the landscape analysis report on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Harmful Traditional Practices and Obstetrics Fistula at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) presented the report in partnership with Nigeria, Canada and development partners.

Mrs Osinbajo, who was the special guest of honour, said available statistics indicated that GBV was a global pandemic that affected many women in their lifetime.

She said the statistics meant that 35 per cent of women worldwide had experienced either physical or sexual violence involving a known or unknown person.

The vice president’s wife said concerted efforts were needed to address the ugly trend and save the girl child.

“Do what? Save her before she becomes a victim; speak to him, so he is not counted amongst the perpetrators.

“Enlighten on the result of bad choices, sexual harassment at work, school or home.

“Stand up for the girl that is chased around the office table by her superior, at work.

“Do what? Advocate for punishment for the crimes, not only for help for the survivors.”

She decried that women and girls die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth daily.

“According to a 2015 report on maternal mortality by the UN, Nigeria accounts for a significant percentage of all global maternal deaths.

“For a moment, can we consider not only the figures of the statistics but the individuals that make up the figures?”

Mrs Osinbajo said the report would help to guide interventions, provoke effective programmes, and improve ongoing programs to curb and eventually wipe out GBV and harmful practices in the communities.

Presenting an overview of the report, Olabisi Aina, report consultant, recommended empowering women and girls through promoting and supporting gender education.

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto and chairman, National Traditional Rulers Council, Muhammad Abubakar, thanked Mrs Osinbajo for standing firm on the programme.

He also commended her for taking three states as the pilot project in the report.

On her part, the UNFPA Resident in Nigeria, Ulla Mueller, commended Nigeria for the programmes and policies initiated to tackle gender-based violence and harmful practices in the country.

(NAN)