New data from the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, UN Women, indicates a notable decrease in sexual violence against women in Nigeria, falling from 9 percent in 2018 to 5 percent in 2024. Beatrice Eyong, the UN Women representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, announced these findings during the conclusion of the LEAP project, an initiative supported by the Ford Foundation that engaged traditional and religious leaders in the fight against gender-based violence.
The 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey reveals that physical violence against women since the age of 15 dropped from 31 percent to 19 percent, while intimate partner violence decreased from 36 percent to 23 percent. Furthermore, the national prevalence of female genital mutilation fell from 20 percent to 14 percent over the same timeframe. Eyong credited this progress to the increased involvement of community leaders in promoting gender equality and challenging harmful societal norms.
Despite these improvements, Eyong emphasized that significant challenges persist, particularly regarding the support systems available to survivors. She noted a decrease in survivors seeking help, highlighting the need for improved protection services, better reporting channels, and reduced social stigma. Looking ahead, UN Women has obtained new funding from the Ford Foundation for a regional project titled Community Led Advocacy and Digital Spaces for the Safety of Women and Girls in West Africa. This upcoming program will operate in Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal to combat technology-based abuse, such as online harassment and stalking.