16 Days of Activism in Demsa and Mayo-Belwa: Promoting Awareness and Action against Gender-Based Violence

The Community Empowerment and Peace Building Foundation for Women and Youth (CEPFoWY) and First Step collaborated to organize impactful initiatives in Mayo-Belwa and Demsa Local Government Areas during the 16 days of activism for the elimination of violence against women and girls. With a shared vision of promoting awareness and taking action against gender-based violence, participants gathered at various locations, rallying for change, empowerment, and an end to violence.

Rally Campaign in Demsa Local Government: The rally in Demsa commenced at Hamma Bata’s Palace, despite the absence of the Emir. Participants marched to the District Head office to enlighten the Emir about the significance of the 16 days of activism as the International Day for the Elimination of All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls. CEPFoWY and First Step, recognized for their efforts in reducing malaria among pregnant women and children, chose to observe the day in Demsa to raise awareness and sensitize the community about the pressing need to combat gender-based violence. The District Head expressed resolute support for the rally, emphasizing the importance of women’s full participation in all aspects of development.

Engagement in Mayo-Belwa Local Government: In Mayo-Belwa, an impactful awareness creation and sensitization meeting took place at Ardo Clinic. With the participation of 105 individuals, including 33 males and 72 females, the meeting addressed Gender-Based Violence (GBV) comprehensively. Participants delved into various forms of GBV, including denial of resources, wife battering, harmful traditional practices, forced or early marriage, and more. The meeting shed light on the root causes of GBV, emphasizing the significance of recognizing societal norms and unequal power dynamics that contribute to this issue.

During the meeting, the importance of prompt reporting of GBV cases was emphasized. Attendees were provided with contact information for Mayo-Belwa Cottage Hospital and Hope Centre Yola, ensuring that survivors had access to the necessary support and assistance. The participants expressed gratitude for this crucial knowledge and pledged to break the silence surrounding GBV.

Support and Commitment: Both the rally campaign in Demsa and the awareness meeting in Mayo-Belwa witnessed the enthusiastic participation of various groups dedicated to promoting peace, equality, and justice. Notable attendees included the Nigerian Police Force, NYSC members, Boys Bridget, the Nigerian Red Cross, JNI, women’s groups, and the Civil Defense. The collective presence of these organizations underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in fostering positive change.

These events marked significant milestones in the fight against gender-based violence in Mayo-Belwa and Demsa Local Government Areas. The rally campaign in Demsa drew attention to the urgent need for change and women’s empowerment, while the awareness meeting in Mayo-Belwa provided a platform for raising awareness about GBV and encouraging reporting. The resolute determination exhibited by the participants exemplifies their commitment to creating safer and more equitable communities.

By standing together and advocating for equality, we can strive towards societies where every individual is respected, empowered, and free from violence. The efforts of CEPFoWY, First Step, and all the participants highlight the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving lasting change. With continued support and ongoing initiatives, substantial progress can be made in eradicating gender-based violence and providing support to survivors throughout the region.

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  • The Absence of No is Not Yes: Italy’s Flawed Sexual Violence Bill

    Click to expand Image Women demonstrate during a protest organized by the Italian feminist movement "Non Una di Meno" on September 28, 2022, in support of the right to abortion in Turin, Italy. © 2022 Mauro Ujetto/NurPhoto via AP Italy’s new draft law on sexual violence represents a serious step backward from a consent-based approach to addressing sexual abuse. Rather than consolidating consent as the basis for assessing sexual violence, the revised text shifts the burden back onto victims, requiring them to demonstrate explicit denial of consent for an act to be considered sexual assault.This approach runs counter to Italy’s obligations under international law, including the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention). Article 36 of the Convention provides that “consent must be given voluntarily as the result of the person’s free will assessed in the context of the surrounding circumstances.” As a party to the Istanbul Convention, Italy is obliged to amend its legislation to base definitions of sexual violence on the absence of freely given consent. In November, the lower house of parliament voted to amend the Criminal Code to do just that. The bipartisan initiative initially sought to introduce the principle that sex without genuine consent constitutes rape, raising hopes that Italy would finally bring its legislation into line with international human rights standards. But Matteo Salvini, the leader of Lega, one of the ruling parties, warned that the proposed law, in his view, “leaves too much room for individual interpretation” and “personal vendettas, by women and men, without any abuse.” On January 22, Giulia Bongiorno, a Lega politician and head of the Senate’s justice committee, introduced an amendment that removed consent as a defining element of the offense.The revised text re-introduces the notion that only explicit refusal can establish sexual violence, weakening criminal accountability for sexual acts committed against a person’s will. This regressive measure is particularly concerning given the scale of violence against women in Italy. More than one in four women surveyed by the National Institute of Statistics said they experienced physical or sexual abuse in 2025, based on preliminary results. Requiring proof of an explicit ‘no’ ignores that many survivors are unable to physically resist or verbally refuse due to fear, shock, or coercion. Lawmakers should revert to the original bill, and adopt a Criminal Code amendment that clearly defines sexual violence on the basis of the absence of freely given consent.

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