NIGERIA: WIMBIZ strongly condemns the recent violent attacks on women and girls in Delta State during the Ozoro festival. These acts of gender-based violence and sexual assault are unacceptable and highlight the urgent need to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of women at all times.
This incident is not isolated, it reflects broader cultural and structural challenges across communities nationwide. Ending violence against women requires collective responsibility. Government, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and civil society must all work together to ensure that women can participate fully in all aspects of life without fear.
We acknowledge the government’s call for the swift arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators, and WIMBIZ will continue to monitor developments and advocate for justice and accountability. Beyond punishment, this moment highlights the urgent need for long-term, structural measures to prevent gender-based violence, including the passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill by the National Assembly. Legal frameworks like these are critical to institutionalize protections, define penalties, and shift societal norms toward zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
Cultural or social settings must never become grounds for abuse, and decisive action with zero tolerance for violence must be the standard.
WIMBIZ stands in solidarity with all affected women and girls. We will continue to advocate relentlessly for justice, accountability, and systemic change.
About WIMBIZ:
WIMBIZ (Women in Management, Business, and Public Service) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting women in leadership roles. WIMBIZ is of African roots with a global perspective of connecting and inspiring women across the globe to catalyse their growth to leadership positions and contribution to nation-building. With a history spanning 25 years, WIMBIZ has implemented various programs that inspire, empower, and advocate for greater representation of women in both the public and private sectors.
We have a global network of over 3,700 accomplished women who contribute to their initiatives in management, business, and public service. WIMBIZ collaborates with reputable domestic and international organisations to deliver impactful programs, positively influencing over 367,000 women to excel in their careers and businesses.
