Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged for the enactment and enforcement of harsher laws and penalties for individuals who commit rape, sexual abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV). She made this call at the inaugural Gender and Social Norms Summit, organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with her office.

The First Lady emphasized the need for a unified platform, particularly for stakeholders, including Wives of State Governors, to raise awareness, share knowledge, and promote effective strategies for preventing and responding to GBV and other harmful practices. She stressed the importance of developing state-specific action plans and allocating sufficient resources in government budgets to support gender equality initiatives and GBV prevention programs.

Senator Tinubu expressed concern over the alarming rise in rape cases and gender-based violence, emphasizing the need for improved legislation to ensure appropriate punishment for perpetrators. She called on law enforcement agencies, the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Chairman of the National Assembly to enforce stiffer laws and punishment for GBV perpetrators.

Ministers for Education, Attorney General/Minister of Justice, Women Affairs, and Youth expressed support for increased awareness and punishment for perpetrators. They highlighted the importance of education, youth empowerment, and women’s empowerment in reducing harmful practices.

Karima Bungudu, UNFPA Gender/FGM Analyst, presented the organization’s work in Nigeria, citing the high prevalence of GBV, including Female Genital Mutilation, child marriage, and Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF). The event culminated in the signing of the Compact of Commitment by the First Lady and Wives of State Governors, reaffirming their dedication to ending GBV and harmful practices in their states.