Norway has assumed global leadership of the Call to Action on Protection from Gender Based Violence in Emergencies in Nigeria, alongside the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
In a joint press release issued by the Government of Norway, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and UNFPA, Norway will lead the initiative in Nigeria for a two year period covering 2025 to 2026, in line with established programme modalities.
The release stated that the transition was marked by a symbolic handover ceremony at the Residence of the Ambassador of Norway in Abuja, signalling the end of Germany’s tenure as joint lead with the ministry for the 2023 to 2024 period.
German Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Annett Gunther, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to protecting women and girls in crisis situations.
“While our tenure as lead has come to an end, Germany remains committed to strengthening efforts to protect women and girls in crisis situations in Nigeria and beyond. With Norway taking over the lead, the Call to Action will continue to drive the change for gender mainstreaming in humanitarian action.”
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Esubana Nko Asanye, said Nigeria remained firmly committed to the initiative since its inception in 2018.
“Nigeria remains fully committed to Call to Action. Since its introduction in 2018, it has strengthened multi stakeholder coordination, accountability and localized responses. As co lead of the strategic task team, the ministry continues to align partners, provide oversight and promote sustainable, community driven solutions.”
UNFPA Representative in Nigeria, Ms Muriel Mafico, expressed optimism that the leadership transition would consolidate progress already achieved across key focus areas.
“UNFPA reaffirms its full and unwavering commitment to sustaining the momentum we have built together. Strengthening coordination, advancing accountability, and ensuring that GBV prevention and response remain at the centre of humanitarian action.”
Norway’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Svein Baera, said the country was committed to accelerating efforts to end gender based violence, particularly in humanitarian emergency settings.
“Protection against Sexual and Gender Based Violence in humanitarian emergencies has been high on the Norwegian agenda for years. Call to Action is a unique multi stakeholder structure and an important reminder that we need to join forces, ensuring protection against gender based violence in emergencies, and response to survivors.”
The Call to Action on Protection from Gender Based Violence in Emergencies is a global partnership involving states, donors, international organisations and NGOs, aimed at ensuring that prevention and response to gender based violence remain priorities from the onset of every humanitarian crisis.
The press release noted that in Nigeria, the initiative is jointly led by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the global lead, with leadership transitioning from Germany to Norway for the 2025 to 2026 cycle.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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