Violence: Breaking the Silence Around Gender-Based Harm

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 Fatima was only 14 when her life changed forever.

She lived in a small community in northern Nigeria, where everyone knew each other’s families. One evening, while walking home from her aunt’s shop, a man from the neighborhood followed her. That night, Fatima became one of the 1 in 3 Nigerian women who experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (UN Women, 2023).

For weeks, Fatima could not speak. She was afraid no one would believe her. She was afraid of the whispers. She was afraid of being blamed. Unfortunately, this fear is not unusual — only 32% of women who experience violence in Nigeria ever seek help (NDHS, 2018). Many girls suffer in silence, and their stories are never told.

The Scale of the Problem

Violence against women and girls in Nigeria is both widespread and underreported. According to UNICEF:

  • 44% of girls aged 15–19 have experienced physical violence since age 15.

  • Nearly 1 in 4 Nigerian girls will experience sexual violence before the age of 18.

  • In 2022, Nigeria ranked 3rd in Africa for reported cases of gender-based violence during emergencies, such as conflict or displacement.

But these numbers tell only part of the story. Behind every statistic is a Fatima, an Amina, a Chiamaka, or a Enoabasi — each with her own dreams interrupted by trauma.

The Hidden Cost of Violence

Violence against girls doesn’t just harm the body; it impacts mental health, education, and future opportunities. Girls who experience violence are:

  • More likely to drop out of school.

  • At higher risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

  • Vulnerable to early marriage as a way families try to “protect” them after an incident.

In Fatima’s case, her parents pulled her out of school “for her safety,” but that decision ended her dream of becoming a nurse.

Cultural and Systemic Barriers

One of the biggest challenges is the culture of silence. In many communities:

  • Violence is seen as a “private family matter.”

  • Survivors fear being blamed or shamed.

  • Reporting systems are either unavailable or unsafe.

Even when survivors report, the justice process can be slow, costly, and emotionally draining. According to the CLEEN Foundation, conviction rates for sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria remain below 10% in most states.

Shifting the Narrative

We cannot change the statistics without changing the story. That means:

  1. Breaking the Silence – encouraging survivors to share their experiences without fear.

  2. Community Education – teaching both boys and girls about consent, respect, and equality from an early age.

  3. Strengthening Support Systems – ensuring shelters, hotlines, and legal aid are accessible in rural and urban areas.

  4. Holding Perpetrators Accountable – pushing for stricter enforcement of existing laws like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP).

Signs of Hope

In recent years, activism has gained momentum. Movements like #StateOfEmergencyGBV and organizations such as Mirabel Centre in Lagos have provided medical, legal, and psychological support to thousands of survivors. Fatima, now 17, received counseling from a local NGO and has returned to school with plans to still pursue nursing.

Your Role in the Change

Violence thrives in silence — and silence is something we can no longer afford.
You can help by:

  • Listening without judgment when a girl confides in you.

  • Reporting suspected abuse to the relevant authorities.

  • Supporting organizations working to end gender-based violence in Nigeria.

  • Educating young people about their rights and respect for others.

Every time we speak out, we make it harder for violence to hide.

Call to Action

Join us in breaking the cycle. Share Fatima’s story and the stories of countless girls whose voices are silenced by fear. Together, we can turn whispers of pain into shouts for justice.

Say it with us: No girl should live in fear.


 Let’s make that not just a dream, but a reality.

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