In alignment with the global 2024 #16DaysOfActivism campaign aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls, the DOHS Cares Foundation is spearheading a pivotal initiative by organizing a 5km run on November 30 in Lagos. The event, set against the backdrop of the National Stadium, carries the theme “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.” This run symbolizes a unifying call to action, drawing attention to the pressing issue of femicide in Nigeria—a severe manifestation of gender-based violence that demands urgent public awareness and systemic change.
Femicide, defined as the intentional killing of women and girls by partners, family members, or acquaintances, represents the most extreme form of gender-based violence. Unfortunately, the prevalence of such heinous acts is alarming. According to data from the DOHS Cares Foundation’s Femicide Observatory, there were 108 verified instances of gender-related killings of women in Nigeria during the first ten months of 2024 alone. This statistic underlines the urgent need for societal awareness and rigorous action against this pervasive violence, which has seen no signs of decline.
Ololade Ajayi, the founder of the DOHS Cares Foundation, articulates the motivation behind the campaign, stating that the race is designed not only to raise awareness but also to honor the memory of femicide victims and advocate for justice on their behalf. This initiative underscores a broader strategy of using sports as a powerful advocacy tool, demonstrating how athletic engagement can mobilize communities and foster active participation in human rights issues. By bringing young human rights defenders into the fold, the foundation aims to leverage data activism and sustain the ongoing fight against gender-based violence.
The roots of femicide are often entrenched in misogyny—a profound, systemic discrimination against women characterized by hatred, contempt, or a false sense of ownership. Key risk factors for femicide include prior threats involving weapons and backgrounds of sexual violence. These patterns highlight the urgent need for preventive measures and societal education to dismantle the frameworks that allow such violence to flourish. The global community, including the United Nations, has recognized the critical need for strengthened accountability and justice mechanisms to address, penalize, and ultimately reduce instances of femicide and gender-based violence.
The DOHS Cares Foundation is committed to fostering systemic change beyond the run. In April 2024, the organization submitted a draft bill addressing femicide to both the Lagos State House of Assembly and the National Assembly. This legislative action aims to create legal frameworks that can protect women and girls, coupled with increased awareness through organized demonstrations. The foundation’s multifaceted approach aims to facilitate informed public policy that not only addresses current incidents of violence but also seeks to prevent future occurrences through community empowerment.
In summary, the DOHS Cares Foundation’s 5km run and associated initiatives represent a critical effort to combat femicide and enhance community awareness in Nigeria. By engaging diverse community members, particularly youth, and promoting systemic changes through legislation and active advocacy, the foundation aims to foster a united front against gender-based violence. Ultimately, their efforts aspire to create a safer environment for women and girls in Nigeria, challenging the deeply rooted misogyny that threatens their lives and dignity.
