Bukola Afeni
Editor
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Joint EU-UN Spotlight initiative have launched the National Data Situation Room where incidences of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Nigeria will be recorded.
Speaking at the event, the Minster of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, disclosed that the Initiative, a global multi-year partnership between the EU and the UN, was aimed at reducing the prevalence of Violence against Women and Girls.
She added that the data would also be used to work out plans for survivors of GBV, particularly those who endured the menace during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“The National data situation room and dashboard on Gender Based Violence (GBV) is an innovative data visualization platform that would allow decision makers and programme managers to analyze, view and respond to widespread incidences of violence against women and girls. We are working with security operatives, the media and other stakeholders to assist in the crusade toward ending GBV.”
UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, emphasized on the need for stakeholders to unite towards ending Gender Based Violence.
“The national situation room and data dashboard, which would receive reports online, would be piloted in Adamawa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Lagos, Sokoto and the FCT, and be replicated in other states.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, noted that the launch of the data situation room would aid in achieving the goal five, of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.
UNDP Resident Representative, Mohammed Yahaya, said the agency is working with partners to strengthen institutions, policies, and data availability to end violence.
