By Asile Abel, Jos
The 2025 edition of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign was officially launched in Jos on Tuesday with a symbolic peace walk that brought together government officials, civil society organisations, international partners, and community leaders.
The event, organised by UK International Development, SPRiNG, Women for Positive Peace Building Initiative (WOPPI), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the Plateau State Government, saw participants march from Old Airport Junction to Secretariat Junction, holding placards and spreading messages of solidarity.
This year’s campaign is themed “End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” spotlighting the rising threat of online harassment, stalking, non-consensual image sharing, misinformation targeting women, and other forms of digital abuse affecting women and girls both globally and in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch, Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Caroline Panglang Dafur, described the 16 Days of Activism as a vital platform for advocating the rights and safety of women and girls.
“I feel honoured to address us today on this special occasion in Plateau State. The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign, and Plateau is not left out. This administration is committed to protecting the rights of women and girls,” she said.
She announced that the state will, over the next two weeks, conduct community sensitisation, empower survivors, and carry out various advocacy activities led by the Ministry of Women Affairs and its partners.
Regional Director of SPRiNG North Central, Mujidang Sitdang, noted that the campaign holds particular significance in Nigeria amid ongoing security challenges affecting women and girls.
“It’s a global event, but here in Nigeria we are aware of the conflicts troubling us. Digital violence knows no boundaries. It is an opportunity for government, civil society, and communities to support women to achieve their goals and contribute to peacebuilding,” Sitdang said.
Program Officer for Women for Positive Peace Building Initiative (WOPPI), Dung John Hwyere, emphasised the urgency of addressing violence amid rising cases of abductions targeting girls.
“This year’s theme calls on everyone—men and women—to stand united against violence. We are calling on the federal and state governments to urgently rescue abducted girls and ensure their safety. These 16 days are a time for all Nigerians to unite,” she added.
Plateau State Director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Kiyenpiya Mafuyai, described the campaign as a reaffirmation of decades of work toward justice and equality.
She warned that digital abuse—including the non-consensual sharing of images, online stalking, and targeted misinformation—has become a major human-rights concern.
“The campaign links the fight against GBV to the broader human-rights agenda,” she said.
The NHRC revealed a series of activities planned for the campaign, including: Stakeholders’ meetings and community dialogues, youth sensitisation programmes on digital abuse and a human-rights rally on December 10 to mark International Human Rights Day
Mafuyai expressed appreciation to partners such as WOPPI, ROLAC, Mission 21, and other Plateau-based CSOs for their collaboration.
Elder Justina Mike Ngwobia, speaking for WOPPI, urged greater inclusion of women in decision-making while emphasising that violence in any form—political, economic, domestic, or digital—must be eliminated.
“The world is changing. Women can no longer be left behind or violated. We appreciate our gender-sensitive government, but more needs to be done,” she said.
The 16 Days of Activism runs from November 25 to December 10, connecting the global call to end violence with International Human Rights Day.
Partners and advocates, including Ambassador Bridget Dakyes, State Coordinator for the Women, Peace and Security Network, and Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (GEOC), Barr. Olivia Dazyem, among others in Plateau State, say the campaign is not just about awareness but about taking concrete steps to protect women and girls, strengthen community protection systems, and hold perpetrators accountable.
The launch in Jos sets the stage for two weeks of advocacy, empowerment, and sustained calls for a safer, more just society for all.
