By Olasunkanmi Onifade
A group known as Synergy Empowerment Hub, has called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to take decisive steps to stop Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in schools.
Executive Director of the hub, Mr Henry Pannan, made the call in a statement on Tuesday, in commemoration of the 16-Days Activism Against GBV.
The 2025 theme, “Unite, to end digital violence against all women and girls” reinforces the need to invest, protect, and prevent online violence against women and girls.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the 16 days activism against GBV, is marked annually, from Nov. 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to Dec. 10 (Human Rights Day).
It signifies a call for global solidarity to end violence against women and girls.
Pannan noted that girls were mainly affected and often targeted because of their gender.
He described the protection of women and girls, both online and physically, as beng a legal obligation and moral responsibility.
”When schools are safe, girls stay in school; When they stay in school, communities grow stronger, poverty reduces, and the nation moves closer to achieving sustainable development.
”As we observe the 16 Days of Activism, we reaffirm our commitment to a Nigeria where every child can learn without fear, live without violence, and dream without limitation.
“We urge the government, policymakers, educators, parents, and the public to join hands in building a future where schools become true centres of safety, hope, and opportunity,” he said.
The director noted that no child can learn, thrive, or reach their full potential in an environment where safety is not guaranteed.
He, consequently, called for timely justice and survivor-centred response services for victims of school-related GBV.
He also underscored the need to foster partnership with communities and civil societies to build safer environments.(NAN)
Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Sandra Umeh
