Inner Wheel Club District 910 Nigeria has officially joined the global “Orange the World” campaign a 16-day international movement calling for the elimination of gender-based violence. The campaign kicked off today, November 25th, at Hotel De Horizon, Abuja, with a press conference led by District Chairman, Inner Wheel Member Felicia Agbonhese.
Addressing members of the press, partners, and civil society, IWM Agbonhese reaffirmed Inner Wheel’s commitment to ending all forms of gender-based violence including physical, emotional, digital, sexual, and economic abuse.
She reminded the audience that Inner Wheel, one of the largest women-led service organisations in the world with over 120,000 members, has remained a strong voice in advocacy, empowerment, and community action for over 100 years.
This year, District 910 joins the global campaign coordinated by UN Women, observed annually from November 25th to December 10th. The district’s nine clubs will carry out various outreach programmes over the 16 days, focusing on awareness, prevention, and support for survivors.
During the briefing, the chairman highlighted key statistics underscoring the urgency of the campaign:
About 30% of Nigerian women aged 15–49 have experienced physical or sexual violence.
8% have experienced sexual violence by someone other than a partner.
Gender-based violence is estimated to cost nations up to 3.7% of GDP due to its economic and social impact.
She emphasized that many cases still go unreported due to stigma, fear, and lack of awareness a silence Inner Wheel aims to break.
COLLABORATION:
Inner Wheel District 910 also announced ongoing collaborations with UN Women, the National Human Rights Commission, FIDA, schools, community groups, and the media. The organisation says partnership is critical for strengthening support systems, educating communities, and challenging harmful norms.
According to IWM Agbonhese:
“Ending gender-based violence is a shared responsibility. No society can progress while its people live in fear or silence. Today, as we Orange the World, we reaffirm our dedication to service, friendship, and international understanding.”
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
The 16-day activities across the district include:
Press briefing and media sensitisation
Community outreach in Garki Village and empowerment for 100 women
Awareness programs in secondary schools across Abuja
Market and motor park sensitisation in Bida
A solidarity walk with the National Human Rights Commission
Anti-cyberbullying sessions for students
Inner Wheel District 910 calls on government, institutions, men, women, and young people to speak up, support survivors, and create safer homes and communities.
