Norway Takes Global Lead With FMWASD Nigeria to Bolster Protection from Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies By Raymond Enoch
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Norway has formally assumed global leadership of the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies partnering with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to drive intensified protection efforts for vulnerable women and girls over the next two years (2025–2026).
The transition was announced during a symbolic handover ceremony hosted at the Residence of the Norwegian Ambassador in Abuja, officially marking the end of Germany’s leadership tenure spanning 2023–2024.
Germany’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Annett Günther, lauded the initiative’s progress and reaffirmed her country’s ongoing commitment to gender protection in humanitarian crises.
> “While our tenure as lead has come to an end, Germany remains committed to strengthening efforts to protect women and girls in crisis situations – in Nigeria and beyond. With Norway taking over the lead, the Call to Action will continue to drive the change for gender mainstreaming in humanitarian action.”
Representing the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esubana Nko Asanye, underscored Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the initiative. She noted that since its rollout in 2018, the Call to Action has significantly advanced coordination, accountability, and community-led responses to gender-based violence in emergencies.
> “Nigeria remains fully committed to Call to Action. Since its introduction in 2018, it has strengthened multisectoral stakeholder coordination, accountability and localized responses. As co-lead of the strategic task team, the ministry continues to align partners, provide oversight, and promote sustainable, community-driven solutions.”
UNFPA Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Muriel Mafico, welcomed the transition in leadership, expressing confidence that shared global stewardship will reinforce gains made across the six priority areas of the initiative.
> “UNFPA reaffirms its full and unwavering commitment to sustaining the momentum we have built together. Strengthening coordination, advancing accountability, and ensuring that GBV prevention and response remain at the centre of humanitarian action.”
Norway’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Svein Baera, praised the collaborative framework of the Call to Action and pledged Norway’s commitment to accelerating progress, particularly in the conflict-affected states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe.
> “Protection against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in humanitarian emergencies has been high on the Norwegian agenda for years. Call to Action is a unique multi-stakeholder structure and an important reminder that we need to join forces, ensuring protection against gender-based violence in emergencies, and response to survivors.”
The Call to Action is a global, multi-stakeholder platform involving governments, donors, international organisations, and NGOs dedicated to ensuring that the prevention of and response to gender-based violence remain central to humanitarian action from the onset of crises. In Nigeria, the initiative is co-led by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the rotating global lead — now transitioning from Germany to Norway for the 2025–2026 cycle.
With Norway stepping into its new role, stakeholders anticipate reinforced coordination, deeper accountability frameworks, and stronger, survivor-centred interventions tailored to Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
