Inner Wheel Nigeria has commenced nationwide mobilization across its six districts and more than 100 clubs as part of the global “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women and Girls” campaign led by UN Women.
The mobilisation which is part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence from November 25 to December 10, will include walkathons, sensitisation drives, school enlightenment programmes, community outreach, and media advocacy aimed at increasing public awareness and pushing for prevention and accountability.
According to a press statement by the national representative and president Inner Wheel Clubs in Nigeria, Mrs. Funmi Ogunsi, the national activities are designed to to help to create a safer environment for women and girls, noting that violence against women is an injury to all that must stop.
Through partnerships with human rights groups and community organisations, Inner Wheel clubs will engage both men and women in awareness creation. Ogunsi emphasized that the impunity of offenders, victim-stigmatization, and silence around abuse must end.
She urged individuals, institutions and communities across Nigeria to join the movement, to reinforce the campaign’s core message that no woman or girl should live in fear.
Ogunsi said the colour orange, used throughout the campaign, symbolises hope and a brighter future free from violence. She added that the campaign aligns with Inner Wheel’s long-standing mission of service, international understanding, and advocacy for fairness and justice.
Citing national statistics, Ogunsi highlighted the urgency of the campaign. The 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey shows that 31% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while the 2021 SARC report revealed that 88% of survivors are female, with young people under 18 making up 80% of cases.
“These statistics call for grave concern and action from all,” she said.
“I join UN Women, Inner Wheel and other organizations to call upon individuals, institutions, and communities in Nigeria and across the world to take a stand and join this unity of purpose and strength of service; and together amplify this single, powerful message,” Ogunsi stated.