Federal Government launches nationwide campaign to combat sexual violence affecting women and children; calls on Nollywood, creative industry to partner
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to ending conflict-related sexual violence, launching a comprehensive national campaign to prevent and respond to violence against women and children affected by conflict, terrorism and insecurity.
The commitment was made during the commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, issued a statement emphasising that conflict-related sexual violence represents both a grave human rights violation and a direct threat to national security, social cohesion and sustainable development.
“Conflict-related sexual violence remains one of the most horrific manifestations of war, terrorism, violent extremism, and insecurity. Women and girls continue to bear the greatest burden, although men and boys are also affected,” the Minister stated.
“Beyond the immediate physical, psychological, and emotional trauma, these crimes destroy families, interrupt education, deepen poverty, fuel displacement, weaken public confidence, undermine development and threaten national stability.”
The Minister highlighted the Federal Government’s alarm at changing insecurity dynamics in which women and children have become deliberate targets and instruments of conflict. School abductions, trafficking, forced marriage, sexual slavery, recruitment of children by armed groups and exploitation of displaced women and girls represent what the government described as “unacceptable affronts to our collective humanity.”
Sexual violence prevention becomes national priority
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is implementing the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774) across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas to strengthen child protection systems, promote women’s economic empowerment, enhance community resilience and ensure vulnerable populations receive support.
The intervention programme has strengthened child protection and family-centred initiatives, expanded advocacy against sexual violence, reinforced coordination under the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, promoted women’s participation in peacebuilding and established survivor support mechanisms.
The government has strengthened its legal and policy framework to address sexual violence. The Child Rights Act (2003) has been domesticated across all 36 states, whilst the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) has been domesticated in 35 states. Both Acts are undergoing legislative review to address emerging threats including technology-facilitated violence and online exploitation.
Sexual violence demands whole-of-society approach
The Ministry emphasised that ending conflict-related sexual violence requires coordinated action across all sectors. Security agencies, the judiciary, healthcare institutions, social welfare services, educational institutions and humanitarian actors must collaborate to prevent violence, protect vulnerable populations and prosecute offenders.
Significantly, the government called upon Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry to become active partners in the national campaign.
“Nollywood, the music industry, theatre practitioners, broadcasters, digital content creators, comedians, and social media influencers possess extraordinary power to shape values and inspire positive social change,” the statement read. “We therefore call upon them to become active partners in the national campaign against conflict-related sexual violence.”
The Ministry urged the creative industry to use their platforms to reject violence, discourage harmful stereotypes, promote responsible masculinity, protect children and empower women through messages of peace and dignity.
Prevention critical to Nigeria’s response
The government stressed that prevention must become the cornerstone of Nigeria’s response to sexual violence. Every act of violence prevented represents a life protected, a family preserved and a community strengthened. Strategies include stronger early warning systems, improved school safety, digital safety measures, family strengthening initiatives, community vigilance and sustained public education.
The Federal Government called for increased investment in survivor-centred services including Sexual Assault Referral Centres, shelters, psychosocial services, legal aid and forensic capacity. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria remains resolute in building a nation where justice triumphs over impunity and every survivor finds healing and dignity.
