Today, Monday, November 25, 2024, the House of Representatives will embark on an awareness march against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through the streets of Abuja to kick off the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The march is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., starting from the Speaker’s Car Park at the National Assembly Complex and ending at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters.
As contained in a signed statement issued by the spokesman for the House, Akin Rotimi, the march, starting at 8 a.m. from the Speaker’s Car Park at the National Assembly Complex and ending at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, signals the House’s unwavering commitment to eradicating GBV in Nigeria.
Over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public, will walk in solidarity, culminating in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding swift action and accountability in tackling GBV.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas emphasized that the march is more than just a symbolic gesture. “We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through legislative reforms and collective action, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
The event is part of a larger campaign marking the 16 Days of Activism, with lawmakers wearing orange sashes on November 26 in solidarity with the cause. The campaign will also include a national summit on December 10, where discussions will focus on constitutional reforms and advancing gender equality initiatives.
This march and the accompanying activities underscore the House’s dedication to creating a Nigeria free of violence, where the rights of every citizen are protected.