ACC Sheyindemi Urges Stronger Protection for Women in Prisons as 16 Days of Activism Begins

By Iyojo Ameh

As the world marks the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Head of the Gender Advisory Unit of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Adenike Sheyindemi, has called for intensified action to protect women and girls in Nigeria’s custodial centres.

This year’s theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” highlights the growing threat of online abuse and the need to ensure that even women in correctional facilities who are often digitally excluded are not left behind. Sheyindemi noted that incarcerated women face unique challenges, including limited access to digital literacy, online reporting tools, or virtual support services, making them especially vulnerable in an increasingly digital world.

She noted that many women enter prisons already traumatized by domestic or sexual violence, and their vulnerabilities are often worsened by poor oversight and underfunded facilities.

While the NCoS has introduced gender desks, officer training, and partnerships with rights groups, Sheyindemi stressed that more must be done especially increased funding, deployment of more female officers, and stronger accountability systems.

She urged government and civil society to ensure that women behind bars are not excluded from national efforts to end GBV.

“No woman should lose her dignity because she is in custody,” she said, calling for collective action to make correctional centres safer and more humane.