Norway has taken over global leadership of the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria, partnering with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for a two-year period covering 2025 to 2026.
This transition marks the end of Germany’s tenure as joint lead for 2023–2024.
The symbolic handover took place at the residence of Norway’s Ambassador in Abuja.
German Ambassador H.E. Annett Gunther reaffirmed Germany’s ongoing commitment to protecting women and girls in crisis situations, stressing that the Call to Action would continue driving gender mainstreaming in humanitarian action under Norway’s leadership.
Representing Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Esubana Nko Asanye emphasised Nigeria’s sustained commitment to the initiative since its inception in 2018.
She highlighted the programme’s role in strengthening multi-stakeholder coordination, accountability, and localised responses while promoting community-driven solutions.
UNFPA Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Muriel Mafico, expressed optimism that Norway’s leadership would consolidate progress in GBV prevention and response.
She stressed the continued importance of coordination, accountability, and survivor-centered humanitarian action.
Norway’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Svein Baera, reiterated the country’s dedication to ending GBV, particularly in humanitarian emergencies, and underscored the importance of the Call to Action as a multi-stakeholder platform to protect and respond to survivors effectively.
The Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies is a global partnership of states, donors, international organisations, and NGOs, aimed at ensuring GBV prevention and response were prioritised from the onset of every humanitarian crisis.
In Nigeria, the initiative continued to be jointly led by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the global lead, now under Norway’s stewardship for 2025–2026.
