The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) says the prevalence of violence against women in Nigeria has declined significantly over the past six years, according to findings from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
The UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, disclosed this during the close-out ceremony of the Ford Foundation-funded Traditional and Cultural Leaders for Ending Gender-Based Violence by Advancing Advocacy, Policy and Social Norms Change in Nigeria and West Africa (LEAP) Project, held on Monday in Abuja.
Represented by the Acting Deputy Representative, Ms. Patience Ekeoba, Eyong said the latest survey showed that sexual violence against women declined from nine per cent in 2018 to five per cent in 2024.
According to her, physical violence against women since the age of 15 also reduced from 31 per cent to 19 per cent during the same period, while intimate partner violence dropped from 36 per cent to 23 per cent.
She added that female genital mutilation (FGM) continued its downward trend, with national prevalence falling from 20 per cent in 2018 to 14 per cent in 2024.
“The 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey provides encouraging signs that sustained investments in prevention are contributing to positive change.
“Compared to 2018, sexual violence against women declined from nine per cent to five per cent. Physical violence since age 15 reduced from 31 per cent to 19 per cent. Intimate partner violence declined from 36 per cent to 23 per cent.
“We are equally encouraged by the continued decline in female genital mutilation, with national prevalence reducing from 20 per cent to 14 per cent,” she said.
Eyong attributed the progress to sustained engagement with traditional and religious leaders through the three-year LEAP Project, which was implemented by UN Women between 2023 and 2026.
She said many community leaders had become stronger advocates for the rights and dignity of women and girls, helping to challenge harmful cultural practices, promote gender equality and strengthen efforts to end gender-based violence.
Despite the positive trends, Eyong stressed that significant challenges remain, particularly in providing adequate support for survivors of violence.
She noted that the survey indicated a decline in the number of survivors seeking help, underscoring the need for stronger survivor-centred services.
“The decline in help-seeking among survivors tells us that prevention must be matched with stronger survivor-centred services, accessible reporting mechanisms, reduced stigma and greater investments in justice, protection and psychosocial support,” she said.
Eyong also announced that UN Women had secured additional funding from the Ford Foundation for a new regional initiative titled Community-Led Advocacy and Digital Spaces for the Safety of Women and Girls in West Africa.
According to her, the programme will be implemented in Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal and will focus on tackling harmful social norms and technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including online harassment, cyberstalking and image-based abuse.
She expressed confidence that the new initiative would build on the gains already recorded and further strengthen efforts to protect women and girls across West Africa.