International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to Human Rights Day (Activism Against Gender-Based Violence)
A Call to Action from NUPENG Gender Desk
The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) actively supports the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign observed annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). This period serves as a critical reminder of the pervasive impact of gender-based violence (GBV) and the collective responsibility to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) across private, public, workplace, and online spaces, while promoting gender equality. It is a powerful reminder of the pervasive nature of this violence and a call for collective action to hold decision-makers accountable.
Why This Campaign Matters
Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent, and devastating human rights violations globally. According to UN statistics, one in three women experience violence during her lifetime. The impact transcends borders, cultures, and socio-economic divides, with girls particularly vulnerable to forms of violence like:
Domestic abuse
Sexual harassment
Human trafficking
Child marriage
Femicide, the most brutal manifestation of GBV, defined as the intentional killing of women or girls due to their gender.
The latest report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women reveals that femicide is rising globally. Many gender-related killings are linked not just to intimate partners or family members but also to other contexts like:
Sexual violence by strangers
Harmful practices (e.g., child marriage, female genital mutilation, and honor killings)
Hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity
Armed conflict and organized crime
Alarmingly, four in ten intentional murders of women and girls remain unclassified as gender-related due to inadequate investigation and criminal justice recording practices.
Themes and Focus Areas
For 2024, the campaign theme, “UNiTE: Call to Action—Ending Violence Against Women Now!” emphasizes the urgency of concrete solutions. Key focus areas include:
Strengthening Legal Protections: Advocating robust laws to hold perpetrators accountable and safeguard survivors.
Addressing Harmful Socio-Cultural Norms: Challenging traditions, stereotypes, and practices that perpetuate gender inequality.
Promoting Economic Empowerment: Supporting women with education, employment, and financial independence to reduce vulnerability.
Enhancing Survivor Support Services: Ensuring access to healthcare, legal aid, and counseling for victims.
Taking Action
For Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), this period represents an opportunity to champion the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) within Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sectors. The campaign encourages participation at all levels, from grassroots movements to online advocacy. You can make a difference by:
Raising Awareness: Share stories, resources, and statistics using hashtags like #16Days, #EndViolence, and #OrangeTheWorld.
Engaging Communities: Organize workshops, marches, or dialogues to educate and inspire action.
Supporting Survivors: Volunteer at shelters, donate to anti-GBV organizations, or advocate for survivor-centered services.
Advocating for Policy Change: Push for the prioritization of gender equality and resource allocation for GBV prevention and survivor support.
NUPENG calls on its members, partners, stakeholders and the Nigerian public to actively participate in ending GBV by promoting respect, equality, and accountability.
Through collective action, NUPENG reaffirms its commitment to not only empowering women in the workforce but also ensuring that no one is subjected to violence or discrimination.
A Collective Responsibility
Ending violence against women and girls is not just a women’s issue—it is a human rights imperative. Prevention must be prioritized and funded from the onset of crises. Governments, businesses, civil society, and frontline responders all have roles to play in dismantling the systems that perpetuate GBV. Peace building and development processes must explicitly address the impacts of gender-based violence to ensure justice and equality.
Conclusion
Activism against gender-based violence seeks to break the silence surrounding this pervasive issue. It challenges societal norms, drives systemic change, and inspires solidarity to build a future free from fear and violence.
Women’s rights organizations play a pivotal role by pushing for policy changes, holding governments accountable, and providing survivor-centered services. Law enforcement and justice systems must step up by believing survivors, acting on reports of violence, and punishing perpetrators to end impunity.
By addressing GBV, NUPENG contributes to creating safer and more equitable work environments in Nigeria’s energy sector.
The Union encourages all members to join hands during the 16 Days of Activism and beyond to build a safer, more equitable world where everyone can live without fear of violence. Together, we can achieve the elimination of violence against women and girls. The time for change is now.
