DED of UN Women, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Harps on the Rights of Women and Girls as Nigeria Marks 16 Days of Activism

By Zainab Uzomah

The Deputy Executive Director (DED) of UN Women, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, has emphasised the urgent need to protect and promote the rights of women and girls, declaring that violence against them is not inevitable but preventable. She made the remark during her visit to Nigeria for the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign demanding stronger action to end all forms of violence.

Gumbonzvanda said her mission to Nigeria was focused on deepening partnerships, reinforcing national leadership and accelerating collective efforts to advance gender equality. Over several days, she met with members of the National Assembly, diplomats, UN agencies, civil society organisations and community women driving progress at the grassroots.

She commended the National Assembly for its commitment to strengthening laws that protect women and girls, noting that nearly one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Effective legal frameworks and greater women’s participation in governance, she said, were essential to reversing the trend.

The UN Women official also highlighted the importance of stronger regional cooperation across West Africa and the Sahel, where women’s leadership in peacebuilding remains central to stability and sustainable development.

During her field engagements, Gumbonzvanda inspected new WASH facilities and a rehabilitated agro-processing centre in Kwali, describing them as practical examples of how targeted investments improve women’s safety, reduce unpaid care burdens and expand income opportunities. She noted that access to safe water and improved infrastructure significantly boosts women’s participation in economic activities.

She reiterated UN Women’s commitment to coordinated, multi-sectoral approaches to address gender-based violence, women’s economic empowerment and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Integrated interventions, she said, deliver far better results than isolated efforts.

A rising concern, she added, is technology-facilitated gender-based violence, which affects between 16% and 58% of women globally. UN Women is supporting the Nigerian government to strengthen policy frameworks, enhance digital safety and ensure accountability for online harms.

Gumbonzvanda underscored the urgency of affirmative action, referencing global data showing women occupy just 27.2% of parliamentary seats as of January 2025. She welcomed Nigeria’s proposed Special Seats Bill, saying it would ensure women’s voices shape legislation and national priorities. Affirmative action, she stressed, is strategic—not symbolic—and strengthens democracy.

She also emphasised women’s economic empowerment as a driver of sustainable development, calling for gender-responsive budgeting and investments that reduce unpaid care work while expanding productivity and income prospects.

To sustain progress, the DED noted that predictable and innovative financing is essential. She pledged UN Women’s continued support in mobilising partnerships across government, development organisations and the private sector.

“Nigeria has demonstrated strong leadership and a clear commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls,” she said, affirming that UN Women will continue working with all partners to translate national commitments into measurable, transformative results.