The document summarizes a policy dialogue held between Nigerian Governors' Wives and State Governors on December 2nd, 2020 to address the rising issue of gender-based violence in Nigeria. The governors affirmed their commitment to addressing gender-based violence, including ensuring swift passage and implementation of relevant laws, promoting women's rights, and providing economic support for women. The governors' wives pledged ongoing advocacy and awareness efforts, such as working with community leaders and supporting organizations assisting survivors. They recognized that tackling gender-based violence requires involvement across society.

1. COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE POLICY
DIALOGUE WITH STATE GOVERNORS ON THE 2ND OF
DECEMBER 2020 AND STATEMENT TO MARK THE END
OF THE GLOBAL 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM CAMPAIGN
AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE NOVEMBER 25TH-
DECEMBER 10TH 2020
In recent times, there has been an astronomical increase in cases of Sexual and
Gender Based Violence in Nigeria. The COVID19 pandemic and the lockdowns that
ensued exacerbated an already problematic situation, as rates of violations
increased exponentially. The continued rise in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases
has made it imperative to scale up multi-dimensional approaches and strategies
in combating all forms of GBV. With this in mind, Nigerian Governors Wives
Against Gender Based Violence (NGWA-GBV) convened a Policy Dialogue with
State Governors on December 2nd
2020 at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The
event was also an opportunity for NGWA-GBV to present a Compendium of GBV
Activities of Governors’ Wives and Action Plan to the public.
The Policy Dialogue featured the Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum, His
Excellency Dr Kayode Fayemi the Governor of Ekiti State, HE Governor Rotimi
Akeredolu, Ondo State, HE Governor Yahaya Bello, Kogi State, HE Governor Sanni
Bello, Niger State and HE Governor Simon Lalong, Plateau State. The event also
had top government functionaries, members of the diplomatic corps,
development partners, civil society organisations and survivors of gender-based
violence in attendance.
At the end of the policy dialogue, the State Governors in attendance:
! Affirmed that the State of Emergency against Gender Based Violence
declared on by June 10th
2020 by the Nigeria Governors Forum is being
taken seriously by State Governors

2. ! Condemned in very clear terms, all forms of gender-based violence and its
impact on victims
! Assured Nigerian women of their commitment to continue to promote and
protect the rights of women
! Encouraged the political inclusion of women in their respective states.
! Committed to ensuring swift passage of relevant GBV legislation and
political will to implement GBV Laws
! Recognised the need for speedy prosecution processes of GBV cases.
! Pledged sustainable economic empowerment schemes to support women
to acquire skills and become more independent hereby reducing their
vulnerability.
As Wives of Governors, through working in solidarity as a collective, our platforms
and voices can be leveraged into something powerful to achieve meaningful
change. As the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence 2020
comes to an end, with the theme Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent and
Collect, and in line with our Action Plan, we members of NGWA-GBV hereby
commit to the following:
! Vigilance to ensure that the political will of the State Governors does not
wane
! An enabling environment for survivors of GBV to step forward without fear
of intimidation or coercion
! Sensitisation and awareness raising to ensure that families and
communities, no matter how well meaning, do not obstruct access to
justice for GBV survivors
! Working with political, religious, traditional and community leaders for
effective community engagement and ownership
! Encouragement of civil society organisations and women’s rights groups
who are mostly at the frontlines of GBV service provision
! Advocacy for financial, material and human resources required for effective
GBV responses
In order to tackle a problem as complex as GBV, we require the active
involvement of all elements of society. As mothers, wives and leaders in our own
right, we are ready and willing to play our part. We are grateful to HE Dr Aisha

3. Buhari, First Lady of Nigeria for being a dependable ally in the quest for a better
Nigeria for all men and women. We acknowledge the hard work of Dame Pauline
Tallen, Minister for Women Affairs for making GBV advocacy a priority. We thank
the Nigerian Governors Forum and all the Governors for their support and
encouragement. We are grateful to The Ford Foundation, Access Bank and the
UN/EU Spotlight Initiative for supporting our work. Together, we can tackle the
menace of GBV and make our communities safer for women and girls.
DECEMBER 10TH
2020
HE Erelu Bisi Fayemi
Chair, Nigerian Governors Wives Against Gender Based Violence
HE Dr Olufolake Abdulrasaq
Secretary, Nigerian Governors Wives Against Gender Based Violence