Norway and Nigeria Lead the World in Protecting Against Gender Violence
Norway partners with Nigeria to spearhead a Call to Action, enhancing the protection of women and girls amid humanitarian emergencies across the nation.
Norway has taken on a prominent role in the Call to Action on Protection from Gender Based Violence in Emergencies in Nigeria, collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
A joint press release from the Government of Norway, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and UNFPA announces that Norway will spearhead the initiative in Nigeria for a two-year period from 2025 to 2026, adhering to established programme modalities.
The announcement indicated that the transition was highlighted by a symbolic handover ceremony at the Residence of the Ambassador of Norway in Abuja, marking the conclusion of Germany’s role as joint lead with the ministry for the 2023 to 2024 period.
The German Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Annett Gunther, reiterated her nation’s dedication to safeguarding women and girls in times of crisis.
“Although our time as lead has concluded, Germany continues to be dedicated to enhancing initiatives aimed at safeguarding women and girls in crisis situations in Nigeria and beyond.” As Norway assumes the lead, the Call to Action will persist in promoting change for gender mainstreaming in humanitarian efforts.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Esubana Nko Asanye, stated that Nigeria has consistently upheld its commitment to the initiative since it began in 2018.
Nigeria is steadfast in its commitment to the Call to Action. Since its introduction in 2018, it has enhanced coordination among multiple stakeholders, accountability, and localized responses. In the role of co-lead for the strategic task team, the ministry remains committed to aligning partners, ensuring oversight, and fostering sustainable, community-driven solutions.
Ms. Muriel Mafico, the UNFPA Representative in Nigeria, conveyed her optimism that the leadership transition would strengthen the progress already made in key focus areas.
“UNFPA reaffirms its steadfast and resolute commitment to maintaining the momentum we have created together. Enhancing collaboration, promoting responsibility, and guaranteeing that the prevention and response to GBV stay central to humanitarian efforts.
Norway’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Svein Baera, expressed the country’s dedication to intensifying efforts aimed at eradicating gender-based violence, especially in humanitarian emergency contexts.
“Addressing Sexual and Gender Based Violence in humanitarian emergencies has been a priority on the Norwegian agenda for years.” The Call to Action represents a distinctive multi-stakeholder framework and serves as a crucial reminder of the necessity to unite our efforts in safeguarding against gender-based violence during emergencies and in supporting survivors.
The Call to Action on Protection from Gender Based Violence in Emergencies represents a global collaboration among states, donors, international organizations, and NGOs, focused on making sure that the prevention and response to gender-based violence are prioritized from the very beginning of every humanitarian crisis.
The press release indicated that in Nigeria, the initiative is collaboratively spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development alongside the global lead, with leadership transitioning from Germany to Norway for the 2025 to 2026 cycle.
