…. as FIDA cautions on the dangers of GBV
She was murdered in cold blood. The dead can’t talk. Yet, women strangely remain in abusive relationships. Why not walk away?
Ronke Shonde, a banker and mother of two, was beaten to death by her husband, Lekan Shonde, in Lagos. A manhunt for Mr. Shonde, who fled the murder scene, was launched. Before taking his wife’s life, Mr. Shonde used to “tie her, beat her and take her mobile phones away,” according to a neighbour.
Media in Nigeria is brimming with stories of gender-based violence at home, in the streets and elsewhere. Many of these with unpleasant conclusions.
A study recently commissioned by the ministry of women’s affairs and social development and the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) Nigeria with support from the Norwegian Government found out that 28% of Nigerian women aged 25-29 have experienced some form of physical violence since age 15.
The study also reports that 15% of women experienced physical violence within 12 months preceding the survey Further, the level of exposure to the risk of violence varied based on marital status, and that “44% of divorced, separated or widowed women reported experiencing violence since age 15, while 25% of married women or those living with their spouses have experienced violence.
The most common acts of violence against women in Nigeria include sexual harassment, physical violence, harmful traditional practices, emotional and psychological violence, socio-economic violence and violence against non-combatant women in conflict situation.
Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, founding director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC) declared: “We call on the Federal Government [of Nigeria] to create more institutions that can address the root causes of gender-based violence, the impunity that often goes with the scourge, implement policies and enact laws, for a stronger national response that can support victims and survivors\of violence.”
She added: “The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is also a time to remember victims and survivors of GBV and further re-evaluate the effectiveness of interventions currently in place to address the problem.”
Tagged 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, it is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10th of December, Human Rights Day. It was commenced by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
This year, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign (UNiTE campaign) marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, from 25 November to 10 December, under the theme, “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape!”
Uniquely, the Federal Government as a tribute to the event launched a register for sexual offenders aimed at naming and shaming rapists and other perpetrators of gender-based violence.
Three months ago, Ekiti State Government begun the public naming and shaming of convicted sex offenders in the state as part of efforts to curb sexual violence. The state government opened the register with the name of a former Anglican priest, Reverend Asateru Gabriel, who was convicted for sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl. Ekiti launched its Sexual Offender’s Register in 2013.
As activists and women groups the world over, express outrage on the rise of gender based violence, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abuja branch, called on victims of rape to break the silence and speak up. Chairperson of FIDA, Abuja, Rekia Adejo-Andrew, made the call during awareness walk to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Monday in Abuja. The walk is also in line with the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.”
FIDA Abuja further took its advocacy to Jabi motor park. Enlightening men on the social and legal consequences of battering and maiming fellow humans, particularly women, their attention was also drawn to the social and legal consequences of such actions – viz loss of life, prison term, psychological effects on children and more.
Meanwhile, legal support was rendered to those who revealed that their partners act violently towards them. Moreover, an enlightenment radio program was held on Wazobia FM where FIDA’s interactions with listeners were highly responsive.
At the same time, Lagos branch of FIDA in conjunction with Project Alert and Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN), had a press Conference themed: Sexual Violence by Law Enforcement Officers in Nigeria (Police & co) to flag off the event.
Similarly, FIDA Edo partnered with Edo state government to encourage increased female political participation by reducing the rates of political violence, especially violence against women. They also held a sensitisation seminar for students of Benson Idahosa University, Benin and another for the police about their duties of protecting a Rape Victim to get justice.
Then FIDA Benue paid a visit to Government Girls Secondary School, Makurdi were a talk on GBV and Rape was delivered. Thereafter, members of FIDA Benue distributed sanitary towels to over 240 students.
Likewise, FIDA Plateau in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) went on the streets to campaign against Child labour and street hawking which are subtle ways of luring girls for rape purposes. In the course of the walk, children especially the girls were interviewed and flyers distributed in condemnation of CHILD labour.
In Bayelsa state, FIDA in collaboration with other gender champions (CSOs/NGOs) embarked on a peace walk to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Bayelsa State Command, Yenagoa. FIDA Chairperson, Tariere Egbegi harped on the need to strengthen the fight against the menace of rape.
On the other hand, LAMPAIX, a non-governmental organisation gave a charge:
“Day 4 of 16 Days Activism on GBV
The two crimes we feature today are often tied to more serious offences like rape. It is important to understand that these and other crimes too are punishable under VAPP Act.
Don’t say ‘Thank God he/she didn’t rape me!’ Let the perpetrator pay for the crime committed.”
“Day 5 of 16 Days Activism on SGBV
Someone wanted to know if Workplace Sexual Harassment is covered by VAPP provisions. LAMPAIX believe ‘Offensive Conduct’ punishable by 2 years imprisonment takes care of such crimes for now….. Again note that both men and women commit these crimes against the other.
#CarryOnTheLampOfPeace #16Days #ThePeaceAgenda #LAMPAIX #UNWomen @FIDANigeria”
