In a powerful address during the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Nigeria's FAME Foundation has intensified its campaign against this pervasive social issue while making an urgent appeal for increased male participation in the fight.
Foundation's Year-Round Commitment to GBV Survivors
The foundation's executive leadership revealed crucial updates at their recent press conference, including the launch of new initiatives and a strengthened partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Executive Director of FAME Foundation, emphasized that their activism extends far beyond the 16-day campaign period.
"This represents our daily work, not merely a seasonal effort," Atoyebi stated firmly. She highlighted that recent collaborative operations with NAPTIP have resulted in the arrest of several men involved in gender-based violence cases, with the foundation's legal team actively pursuing these matters in court.
Addressing Digital Violence and Root Causes
Aligning with the United Nations' global theme for this year's activism, the foundation placed significant emphasis on combating digital violence and cyberstalking. "We must confront digital harassment with the same determination we apply to physical violence," Atoyebi urged participants.
Kemisola Ibitoye, Director of Programs at FAME Foundation, presented alarming findings about the origins of gender-based violence. According to their research, many GBV incidents originate from individuals closest to the victims, including intimate partners and family members.
The foundation's Femicide Tracker, launched the previous year, continues to monitor and report such cases to ensure they receive appropriate attention and intervention. Ibitoye made a heartfelt appeal for male involvement, stating that women's voices alone cannot sufficiently address the crisis.
The Critical Need for Male Allies
When questioned about the underlying causes of gender-based violence, Atoyebi responded with conviction, noting that society should not question victims but rather address the mentalities shaped by social conditioning and upbringing.
She stressed the fundamental importance of educating boys and young men about respecting women and challenging harmful behaviors during their formative years. "Men must step forward as active allies rather than remaining silent bystanders," Atoyebi concluded, underscoring the necessity for a societal transformation in how both genders address and prevent gender-based violence.
As the activism campaign progresses, FAME Foundation maintains its vigorous advocacy for justice, healing, and systemic change, fostering essential conversations about male responsibility and collective action in eradicating gender-based violence from Nigerian society.
