Are you guilty of violence against women?

Patrick Stewart was quoted to have said that ‘the people who could do most to improve the situation of so many women and children are in fact the men”, adding that, “It is in our hands to stop violence towards women.”

And as Nigeria continues its 16 day activism against gender based violence, many more questions are seeking answers following several devastating measures and marginalisation of women in the country.

Violence against women is universally recognized as human rights violation and as such leadership of countries is often advised against such practices that intend to rip a woman of her rights as bonafide citizen of a given country.

Studies show that over 40 per cent of women and girls globally experience various forms and levels of violence, and the consequences of the violence often result in death.
Sharing information on the Mirabel Centre with the Lagos State Governor and His Deputy; other partners at the signing of the Executive Order establishing the Sex Offenders Register. Our Goodwill Ambassador Bimbo Akintola was there!

Sharing information on the Mirabel Centre with the Lagos State Governor and His Deputy; other partners at the signing of the Executive Order establishing the Sex Offenders Register. Our Goodwill Ambassador Bimbo Akintola was there!

Addressing this issue, and speaking out for total eradication of various unimaginable violence against women, the United States embassy in collaboration with Nigeria’s change seekers in the likes of Laila Saint Mathew Daniels, of ACTS generation, Women Arise President, Joe Odumakin and many other well meaning Nigerians gathered to give voice to the voiceless to say stop violence against women.

In her keynote massage, the US acting Consul General and Public Affairs Officer, Dehab Ghebreab, pointed out that gender-based violence is a global issue which cuts across boarders and impacts on all people and societies, regardless of ethnicity, race, socio-economic status and religion.

She said that the proliferation of small arms, which include guns, machetes and knives increases the threat of injury or death for women and children and normalizes masculinity with acts of violence.

“In a palace where there are competing power structures, women and girls are also vulnerable to being bartered and traded to settle disputes, to pay of debts or improve social, political and business relations,

“Violent conflict increases the vulnerabilities of women and girls, where rape, sexual slavery, mutilation, forced impregnation and forced marriage occur against them at a higher rate than during times of relative peace.”

Sharing some examples that demonstrate that violence against women has no boundaries, the Acting CG charged all with the responsibility of reaching out and ensuring that there are no more harmful acts against women and girls across the globe.

In a similar development, the President ACT generation Mrs. Laila Mathew Daniels, while challenging the federal government of Nigeria to legislate laws that ensure that perpetrators of violence against women are prosecuted and also provide shelter and supportive services and national hotlines for victims of domestic violence.

She said that physical and sexual violence are the two main forms of violence that women and young girls are often subjected to, both in the public and private spheres.

According to her, “There are various laws and instruments put in place by various government bodies and individual Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), but it is very important that these laws are reviewed continuously because these crimes against humanity do not seem to be abating,

“We need to have a ‘Holistic Intervention Center’, where essential intervention areas can be addressed under one roof- life skills trainings, financial empowerment, mental health counseling for traumatized survivors, legal aid and so on. It is essential to have a mid-way safe place, a shelter for ‘at risk’ survivors.”

The awardee, Women of Courage and President Women Arise, Dr. Joe Odumakin also shared the views of her counterparts in respect of variety of violence against women globally.

Citing 3 levels of various violence, ranging from violence within the home, violence within the general community and violence perpetrated against women by the state, she encouraged all not be silent and speak out.

She said that women should lead by example and never disregard, excuse, commit or remain silent about any violence, and particularly violence against fellow women and girls.

She said, “We can teach our children to be respectful and never be abusive towards women, which goes to confirm that peace from the home brings peace to societies, peace to the world and a world free of violence of any forms against women.”