The Women Supporting Women Network (WSWN), an NGO, has advocated for increased investment in women’s organisations to end violence against women and children in society.

The network also called for better legislation, prosecution of perpetrators, more services for survivors and training for law enforcement officials to end the violence.

This is contained in a statement signed by the president of WSWN, Toyin Omozuwa, in Abuja to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The Day is observed on Nov. 25 each year to mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs through Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.

This year’s global theme for the 16 Days of Activism is ‘UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against Women and Girls,’ emphasising the importance of investing in prevention initiatives.

“Violence against women and girls remains one of the world’s most pervasive human rights violations.

“With more than five women or girls killed every hour by someone in their own family, and almost one in three women experiencing physical and/or sexual violence, it is clear that urgent action is needed,” she said.

Ms Omozuwa said the organisation recognised that violence against women and girls is not inevitable but can be eliminated through collective action and breaking the silence.

She said WSWN had been at the forefront of creating awareness and educating the public about the dangers of gender-based violence.

Ms Omozuwa said the group had undertaken various initiatives to educate the public about gender-based violence.

“Some specific initiatives include organising workshops and training sessions to raise awareness about the issue and collaborating with schools to implement educational programmes.

“We also conduct public awareness campaigns through social media and hosting events such as ‘The Orange Forum’ to engage the community in discussions about gender-based violence.

“WSWN will continue to educate society about the culture of gender-based violence, collaborate with policymakers to relegate it to history, as well as partner with the media to raise awareness and push GBV-related issues to the forefront of public consciousness,” she said.

Ms Omozuwa said WSWN would join the rest of the World during the 16 days of Activism to advocate against GBV to speak out, break the cycle of abuse, promote respect, eliminate gender stereotypes, increase awareness, advocate for change and support survivors.

She said protecting women and girls was not an expense, adding that it is an investment in a safer and more equitable society.

Ms Omozuwa said as part of their advocacy programme, WSWN would hold its annual event, ‘The Orange Forum,’ via Zoom on Dec. 2, 2023.

(NAN)