Yemi Obafemi
As part of measures to eradicate gender based violence, a human rights activist organization, Women Dignity & Girls of Honour Empowerment Initiative, (WODGOH), has urged nations, communities, and individuals to unite in a shared commitment to proactively address the root causes of gender-based violence through strategic investments.
This call was made as the organization embarked on the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, for proactive investment in eradicating gender-based violence and fostering a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can live free from fear.
The annual observance of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence” is a global campaign initiated by activists and organizations around the world and serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive challenges faced by women and girls worldwide.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director, Women Dignity & Girls of Honour Empowerment Initiative (WODGOH), Mrs. Adekunle Olaide Racheal,she disclosed that the theme, “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls,” , is to call for increase funds, and explore the imperative for global action.
“The transformative power of prevention, and the collaborative efforts required to build a world where every woman and girl can live free from the pervasive shadows of violence.
Mrs Racheal said, the call to “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence” highlights collective responsibility in dismantling structures that sustain it.
According to her, “Urgency is evident in alarming statistics, where approximately 1 in 3 women globally experience intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence.
” Beyond immediate harm, gender-based violence leads to health issues, mental challenges, and reproductive complications, underscoring the need for proactive prevention.
“Economically, it exacts a toll, costing up to 3.7% of GDP, due to lost productivity and healthcare expenses. Globally, around 120 million girls (1 in 10) have experienced forced sexual acts, emphasizing its cross-cultural prevalence. Underreporting is a significant issue due to social stigma and systemic barriers, suggesting the actual prevalence is higher.
“Understanding this crisis through figures propels us to invest in preventive measures during the 16 Days of Activism, urging united, strategic, and transformative action”.
The organization also called on global collaboration, among governments, NGOs, businesses, and individuals, youth engagement, Technology for Connectivity, Crisis Response and Humanitarian Collaboration, Cross-Sectoral Partnerships, to put an end to the global crisis.
