Nassarawa Raises Alarm Over Surge in Gender Based Violence on International Women’s Day 2026!

Reported by Musa Antiketu (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

The government of Nassarawa State has raised serious concerns over the increasing cases of gender based violence (GBV), urging communities, institutions, and civil society groups to intensify efforts to protect women and girls.The call was made during activities marking the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day (IWD), where state authorities highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address abuse, discrimination, and violence affecting women across the state.Officials noted that reports of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-related abuse have continued to surface, underscoring the need for victims to speak out and seek justice through established channels.Government Calls for Increased Reporting Representatives of the Nassarawa State government emphasized that many cases of gender based violence remain unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and lack of awareness about available support systems.Authorities therefore encouraged women and girls experiencing abuse to report incidents to law enforcement agencies and relevant social welfare institutions, assuring them that their complaints would be treated confidentially and with seriousness.According to the state government, tackling GBV requires cooperation between government agencies, community leaders, religious institutions, and advocacy organizations to dismantle cultural and social barriers that often discourage victims from seeking help.Renewed Commitment to Women’s Rights .The 2026 International Women’s Day commemoration in Nassarawa also served as a platform to reaffirm the government’s commitment to advancing women’s rights, safety, and empowerment.Officials reiterated that addressing gender based violence is critical to achieving gender equality and sustainable development, aligning with global advocacy efforts led by organizations such as United Nations and UN Women.International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, celebrates women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements while drawing attention to persistent challenges such as gender inequality and violence.Across Nigeria, activists and policymakers have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of existing laws, improved victim support services, and increased public awareness campaigns to curb gender based violence.Broader National Context Gender based violence remains a major concern nationwide, with advocacy groups warning that underreporting continues to mask the true scale of the problem. Experts argue that improving access to legal protection, healthcare, and psychosocial support is essential for survivors.Civil society organizations have also emphasized the importance of sustained public education, community engagement, and institutional accountability to ensure women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.As Nassarawa State marks International Women’s Day, stakeholders say the renewed focus on reporting abuse and strengthening protective systems could play a vital role in addressing the growing challenge of gender based violence.

Sources:The Punch Daily Trust Vanguard UN Women

Antiketu Musa

Musa Antiketu is a journalist with Sele Media Africa from Kogi State, Nigeria, driven by a deep commitment to truth and integrity in reporting. She is passionate about crafting compelling narratives on current affairs, sports, and trending international news, bringing clarity and insight to complex issues. Currently pursuing a degree in History and International Studies at Prince Abubakar Audu University, she combines strong research ability with effective communication skills to produce engaging, impactful content that advances organizational goals while fostering her continuous professional growth.

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