Gom Mirian
As the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25th, it is crucial to highlight the urgent need for women to break the silence surrounding this pervasive issue.
In Nigeria, as in many African countries, violence against women remains a grave concern. It is time to address the underlying causes, strengthen legal protections, and seek solutions for a safer and more equal society.
This year’s theme, “Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls,” emphasizes the significance of investing in various prevention initiatives to stop violence from occurring in the initial instance.
One such prevention initiative is breaking the silence of victims to ensure that their voices are heard and their experiences acknowledged. By doing this, perpetrators are deterred, and victims receive the attention and help they need.
Speaking out enables women to challenge societal norms perpetuating violence and advocate for change. Breaking the silence also encourages other women to come forward, fostering a supportive environment where survivors can find solace and strength.
While Nigeria has made significant strides in enacting laws to protect women from violence, more government investment is needed to ensure these laws achieve their objectives. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, passed in 2015, criminalizes various forms of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.
This law provides a legal framework for holding perpetrators accountable and offers support for victims through protective measures, shelters, and counseling services.
However, despite these legal protections, violence against women persists. One underlying factor is the lack of investment in women to ensure they maximize their potentials and gain economic power. Gender parity remains an issue in Nigerian society, with men in charge of major decision-making positions.
Economic disparities and unequal access to resources contribute to the perpetuation of violence, as women often find themselves financially dependent on their abusers. Addressing this issue requires not only legal reforms but also deliberate efforts to empower women economically, ensuring their financial independence and reducing their vulnerability to violence.
To effectively address violence against women, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes comprehensive sex education, awareness campaigns, and community engagement to challenge harmful gender norms and promote gender equality. It also involves strengthening the implementation of existing laws, ensuring swift and fair justice for survivors, and providing accessible support services, such as helplines and safe spaces.
Data on violence against women in Nigeria is alarming. According to a survey conducted by the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) with the United Nations Population Fund, 9 percent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 had experienced sexual or emotional violence at least once in their lifetime, and 31% had experienced physical violence. These statistics highlight the urgent need for action and underscore the importance of raising awareness and mobilizing resources to combat this pervasive issue.
As the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, individuals, communities and governments must come together and reaffirm their commitment to ending violence against women by investing in them. By breaking the silence, strengthening legal protections, addressing economic disparities, and implementing comprehensive solutions, we prevent violence against women and create a society where they can live free from discrimination.
