Preventing violence against women ......

Prevention is the theme of this year's UN's international day for the elimination of violence against women. According to the UN Women organization one in every three women have experienced violence in one form or the other, could be physical abuse or sexual abuse.

Talking about domestic violence, a poll recently taken in Nigeria has shown that poverty is the main cause of domestic violence against married women. One in every ten married women in Nigeria may have been a victim of this form of violence. Due to the high prevalence of violence against women in Nigeria, the former president (Dr) Goodluck Johnathan signed the bill prohibiting this kind of violence. The violence against persons bill prohibits any form of violence against people in both public and private lives. In African societies rape among other sexual harassment is illegal and also a punishable offense by law, however most victims of this form of violence are often reluctant to report to the proper authorities, this is as a result of the pressure of the society, the rejection that often follows and the social stigma. 

The government should strengthen the Police department and all relevant law enforcement agencies, to do a better job at handling cases of violence against women across board.

In Africa some traditions contribute heavily to the violence faced by women, it is no news that it is embedded in the African culture that wife beating is permissible to some extent as long as it doesn't maim or inflict injury. The so called elders in the past have dismissed cases of physical assault on women in marriage. Even today how far have we gone with Gender equality in African countries?

On this year's day of Elimination of violence against women, prevention of violence against women is the theme, the UN women organization is calling on individuals and the society at large to prevent violence against women in all ramifications. It is said that unlike disease pathogens and parasites, perpetrators of violence can choose to abstain from it. Gender equality should be emphasized in marriage, women should be given the right to education in all parts of the world.

The society globally should help combat this global pandemic, efforts in the form of community mobilization to change social norms, comprehensive school interventions, gender equality, economic empowerment to mention a few are ways to help prevent violence against women and ensure a 50-50 global relationship. 

Written By: Jimoh Waliu