Gombe Women Affairs Ministry Launches 16 Days of Activism, Raises Alarm Over Online Abuse

From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe

The Gombe State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Asma’u Muhammad Iganus, has called for renewed commitment from stakeholders to end gender-based violence as the world marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Addressing journalists in Gombe on Monday, the commissioner described the annual campaign held from November 25 to December 10 as a vital global platform for promoting women’s rights and demanding accountability in the fight against all forms of abuse.

She noted that the movement began in 1991 during the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute, organised by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University. Since then, it has grown into an international advocacy effort linking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with Human Rights Day.

Hon. Iganus warned that gender-based violence remains a “major public health and human rights challenge,” stressing that nearly one in three women worldwide experience violence at some point in their lives.

This year’s theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” highlights the expanding risks faced by women online, including harassment, blackmail, cyberbullying, exploitation, and the spread of harmful content targeting young women and girls.

She expressed concern that digital platforms meant to empower women are increasingly becoming unsafe due to online abuse, misinformation, and unchecked harmful practices.

The commissioner also listed weak law enforcement, harmful cultural norms, unsafe homes, poverty, limited education, inadequate parental guidance, and gaps in response services as key drivers of gender-based violence.

“As a government, we are committed to creating an environment where every woman and girl can live without fear, both online and offline,” she said.

Hon. Iganus called on parents, teachers, traditional and community leaders, ICT professionals, civil society groups, development partners, and the media to join hands in tackling the root causes of violence.

She encouraged survivors to speak out and report abuses rather than suffer in silence.
“You are not alone. Speak out and get the support you need,” she urged.

The commissioner applauded the media for its efforts in exposing abuses and amplifying survivors’ voices, urging journalists to sustain their advocacy and continue spotlighting all forms of violence.

Hon. Iganus concluded with a renewed call for unity in the fight against gender-based violence:
“Orange the world. Say no to violence. Say no to rape. End abuse in every form.”