Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has become a pervasive issue in Nigeria, affecting millions of individuals, particularly women and girls. This scourge has devastating consequences, including physical harm, emotional trauma, and even death. To combat GBV, it is essential to address its root causes, including cultural and social norms that perpetuate gender inequality. Ways to curb GBV in Nigeria abound. By working together, we can create a society where everyone can live free from fear of violence and discrimination. Let us unite to cut GBV in Nigeria and build a brighter future for all. In this week’s edition, NETA NWOSU and CONSTAINCIA URUAKPA seek views of some lay faithful in curbing GBV. Excerpts:
‘Empower women economically’
Two ways to curb gender-based violence are:
1. Empowering women economically, and supporting women’s right organisations.
2. Involving women in decision-making at all levels in governance.
• Mr. Julius Ugonna Ezeifedi, Chairman, Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council.
‘Religious leaders should speak against GBV in their sermons’
One of the ways to curb GBV is for religious leaders to take up the fight and speak against GBV in their sermons, catechesis, writings, teachings and appointments. Catholic schools can create an academic curriculum on gender based violence in faith based schools and seminaries as a proactive measure. There should be a talk on GBV, for sensitisation and awareness at every meeting, event or gathering of major lay groups in the Church. This will give the needed boost to knowledge on the issues around GBV.
• Dr. Ambrose Igboke, PRO, SIGNIS Archdiocese of Lagos.
‘People should never be forced into marriage’
Creation, is anchored on love. Ironically, man, in his own selfish nature and human wisdom, has been unfair to himself – humanity, especially woman. His identification and superiority instinct inspired; violence – his hatred for things he never understand, and those he understood, but refused to accept. Correcting this phenomenal anomaly, people should never be forced into marriage, for any reason. Nurture children in a loving and peaceful environment. The effect on the society would be peace and progress.
• Nsikak Daniels
‘Education interventions and awareness campaigns against gender-based violence’
1.Strengthen legal frameworks and support systems: Implement strict laws that protect against gender based violence and initiate strict penalties for perpetrators, while advocating for civil society and the private sector to put aside resources to support and rehabilitate victims of GBV, such as offering legal aid, counseling and hot-lines for survivors to call.
2. Education interventions and awareness campaigns: Education and awareness campaigns against gender based violence through collaboration with schools, public figures, market, religious, media and community leaders to amplify the campaign against GBV.
• Lady Catherine Alabi, President, Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria, Lagos Archdiocese.
‘Government should address the high rate of poverty in the country’
To curb GBV, women should be empowered economically in order to contribute substantially to the upkeep of the home. Men should not delegate their responsibilities to women and should learn to show understanding when the going gets tough. Government should address the high rate of poverty in the country by reviving the manufacturing sector, creating employment and rescuing the fallen value of the naira. Another way of curbing GBV is to avoid instances that could lead to conflict and war. Communities should strive to live in peace with their neighbours. War causes people to be displaced from their homes, thereby exposing women to sexual violence.
• Ifeoma Okpala
‘Legal framework that provides a safe place to report cases’
Gender-based violence could be physical, sexual, psychological, economic, domestic violence, human trafficking and traditional practices. To curb gender-based violence, below are highly recommended:
1. Public awareness and education on respect for human dignity. We are made in the image and likeness of God. Genesis 1: 26 – 27.
2. Create an enabling environment that encourages people to speak openly against gender-based violence with examples. Clearly communicate that it is sinful.
3. Legal framework that provides a safe place to report cases. Appropriate and speedy legal action should be taken against perpetrators, to serve as a deterrent.
• Lady Eva Akinwuntan, President, Ladies of St. Mulumba, Lekki Sub-Council.
‘Provision of quality education for women and girls’
First and foremost, one way to curb gender-based violence (GBV) is through the provision of quality education for women and girls. By getting people in this category educated, they will be acquainted with their fundamental human rights and ways to protect them. They will also see the need not to engage in anything that can precipitate or promote acts of violence, which in the end, will expose them to danger. Secondly, engaging male allies can be another source of reducing GBV in the society. It is an established fact that women and girls are at the receiving end, even though men are also prone to it. So, engaging the men and forming ally with them at different levels and situations will encourage them to always seek and carry out actions that will protect women and girls.
• Evaristus Nwaiwu
