Dr. Haruna Okai of Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) fired up calls for all-in commitment to smash Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and pump investments into family planning during the “Paint It Loud” event in Abuja—part of the 16 Days of Activism. With 28% of women aged 15-49 facing physical violence and 40% emotional abuse, he slammed cultural norms harming women and girls, urging nonstop action beyond these days.
PPFN handles GBV cases, counsels victims at home, and pushes the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act—praised for tackling female genital mutilation—but demands subnational rollout, counselor training, better reporting, and tougher sentences on perps. Okai stressed accelerating to zero maternal deaths via quality sexual reproductive health education for girls and FP 2030 goals, warning unplanned kids fuel insecurity like banditry.
GBV Desk Officer Sadiya Yakubu rallied governments, CSOs, and stakeholders to spotlight digital threats like cyberstalking and online bullying. The event drew media, youths, and NGOs to chart real fixes.
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