Group Urges Action Against Gender-based Violence In Kogi

A coalition of civil society organisations in Kogi State has called for coordinated action to end gender-based violence and promote the rights of women and girls in the state.

The call was made at a press conference to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026.

In a statement jointly signed by Lilian Okolo, chairperson of the 16 Days Continuum and Ibrahim Danasebe Yakubu, secretary of the coalition, they said as the global community marked the event with the theme, “Rights, Justice, Action For All Women and Girls,” championed by UN Women, there was a need for governments, civil society organisations and communities to move beyond promises to concrete steps toward achieving gender equality.

The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which seeks to ensure that women and girls live free from discrimination, violence and systemic exclusion.

The group stressed that in 2026, particular attention must be placed on ending gender-based violence in all its forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child marriage, trafficking and other harmful traditional practices.

It described gender-based violence as one of the most widespread violations of human rights globally and within local communities, noting that many women and girls in Kogi State continue to face violence and discrimination that undermine their dignity and limit their opportunities.

The coalition said that while women in the state contribute significantly to agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, public service and community leadership, they still face numerous systemic challenges.

It, therefore, urged the Kogi State government to strengthen the enforcement of laws protecting women and girls from violence and discrimination, while also increasing funding for gender-based violence response services such as safe shelters, legal aid and survivor support systems.

Traditional and religious leaders were also admonished to champion cultural reforms that uphold the dignity and rights of women and girls, and to speak openly against domestic violence, child marriage and other harmful practices.