Violence against women declines from 9% to 5% in six years— UN Women
By Favour Ulebor
Abuja — The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, known as UN Women, reported a decline in the prevalence of sexual violence against women in Nigeria, dropping from 9% in 2018 to 5% in 2024.
The announcement was made by UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, during the closing event for the Ford Foundation-funded project aimed at involving traditional and cultural leaders in combating gender-based violence. The initiative, titled “LEAP,” is a three-year program that runs from 2023 to 2026.
Eyong, represented by Acting Deputy Representative Ms. Patience Ekeoba, stated that these findings are part of the latest 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The survey revealed that physical violence against women since the age of 15 has decreased from 31% in 2018 to 19% in 2024, while intimate partner violence has fallen from 36% to 23%.
Eyong attributed this progress to the active engagement of traditional and religious leaders, many of whom have become advocates for women’s rights, promoting gender equality and aiding communities in rejecting harmful practices related to gender-based violence.
Additionally, the report noted a decline in female genital mutilation, with national prevalence decreasing from 20% in 2018 to 14% in 2024.
“The 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey provides encouraging signs that sustained investments in prevention are contributing to positive change,” Eyong said. “Despite the improvements, the data also highlights the need for continued efforts, particularly in enhancing support services for survivors.”
She emphasized that a decrease in help-seeking behavior among survivors indicates the necessity for stronger, survivor-centered services, accessible reporting mechanisms, and increased investments in justice, protection, and psychosocial support.
Eyong also announced that UN Women has received new funding from the Ford Foundation for a regional program titled “Community Led Advocacy and Digital Spaces for the Safety of Women and Girls in West Africa.” This initiative will be implemented in Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, addressing harmful social norms and technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including online harassment, cyberstalking, and image-based abuse.
