The Nigerian Girls for Agricultural Progressive and Growth Initiative (NWAPDI) has urged fast motion to strengthen legal guidelines and allocate assets to fight gender-based violence affecting ladies and youth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Throughout a one-day “practice the coach” seminar in Abuja, held as a part of the 16 Days of Activism Towards Gender-Primarily based Violence, NWAPDI Nationwide Coordinator Omolara Svensson highlighted the far-reaching impression of such violence. She acknowledged that gender-based violence isn’t just a ladies’s concern however one which impacts society as a complete.
Svensson revealed that NWAPDI is conducting nationwide coaching classes throughout the activism interval to deliver collectively farmers, group leaders, and advocates in amplifying the voices of girls in agriculture.
“No girl ought to have to decide on between guaranteeing her household’s survival and defending herself from hurt,” Svensson emphasised. “To our leaders in authorities, agricultural organisations, and civil society, you’ve got the facility to enact actual change. Strengthen legal guidelines, allocate assets, and lead by instance. When ladies are silenced, our agricultural communities lose their voices, improvements, and potential. This undermines productiveness, meals safety, and rural growth.”
She additional remarked, “A girl who feels protected and supported can plant and develop. However a girl dwelling in worry can’t thrive, and when she suffers, all of us endure.”
Hariratu Yakubu, NWAPDI North Central Zonal Coordinator, underscored the important position of girls and youth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector whereas highlighting the challenges they face, together with violence, harassment, and exploitation.
“Agriculture is the spine of our financial system, offering livelihoods for tens of millions of Nigerians,” Yakubu mentioned. “This is the reason we urgently name for assets, assist, and preventive actions to handle gender-based violence in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”
