By Melody Agwom Dauda
As a journalist, I have had the privilege of covering various stories across Nigeria and the world, but none have left an indelible mark on my conscience like the stories of violence against women and girls. The sheer brutality, the devastating impact on families and communities, the poor responses, and the systemic failures that perpetuate this scourge have compelled me to shed light on this critical issue.
Violence against women and girls is a pandemic affecting millions of Nigerians. According to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018, one in three women in Nigeria has experienced physical violence, while one in five has experienced sexual violence. These statistics are staggering, but they only tell part of the story.
As I travel across various sectors and communities, speaking to victims-turned-survivors, activists, and policymakers, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of violence on women and girls. I met a 23-year-old girl, who was gang-raped at the age of 17, and heard her recount how she was beaten unconscious by a group of four men, who then took turns assaulting her.
Hadiza (a pseudonym) left her home, which was a stone’s throw away from her coursemate’s house, to collect a handout she had borrowed for an assignment due when school resumed. It was only 7:30 p.m., and few people were on her street. She was stopped by some boys she knew from the neighborhood. When she ignored them, they began pulling, pushing, and dragging her on the ground. They wouldn’t let her cry out for help, as one of them shoved his dress into her mouth. They tore her clothes mercilessly, took turns assaulting her, and hit her on the head before leaving her for dead.
When Hadiza eventually regained consciousness, she was already at home, having been brought back by some good Samaritans who happened to pass by. She shared her ordeal with her mother and sister, who were the only ones at home when she was brought back. They decided it would remain a family secret, fearing the family’s reputation would be ruined. She was taken to the hospital to treat her visible injuries, but beyond that, nothing was done. Hadiza later returned to school, where her attackers were classmates. Every day, they served as a constant reminder of the trauma she endured. Worse still, they would laugh and point at her whenever they crossed paths. Sadly, Hadiza was unable to get the justice she deserved, thanks to her family’s decision to keep the incident a secret. Despite this, I have never seen such strength in someone so deeply broken, betrayed, and left to endure psychological and emotional torment, yet she chose to handle it with remarkable resilience.
This is not to suggest that there is no support for victims who seek justice for acts of violence committed against them. A case in point is Asma’u (a pseudonym), who was raped inside a mosque at the Igbo quarters in Bauchi Local Government Area. Her father, Jamilu Abdullahi, shared the story of the aftermath of this violation. He recounted how, in the face of community stigma, he had to relocate his family to an undisclosed location for their safety and well-being.
Mallam Jamilu further elaborated on the steps taken by the Bauchi State Government to ensure justice for his daughter. The wife of the Governor, accompanied by top government officials, took Asma’u, her parents, and medical records to the hospital. Forensic evidence and law enforcement officers confirmed that rape had occurred, leading to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of the perpetrator. Importantly, the outcome of this prosecution was widely broadcast in local media.
Violence against women and girls undermines peaceful coexistence, as it devastates survivors’ lives, negatively affecting their behavior, relationships, and often leading to social isolation and hostility. It is a blatant violation of human rights. Other forms of violence, such as spousal battering, have left millions of women and girls with permanent emotional and physical scars.
A multitude of challenges in addressing violence against women and girls has been identified. These challenges can be categorized as follows:
Deep-seated cultural and traditional norms: Nigeria’s cultural diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups, means that some customs and traditions perpetuate violence against women and girls. Women and girls in such settings suffer from battering, child molestation, emotional abuse, rape, and silent denial.
Patriarchal society: Nigeria’s patriarchal structure gives men significant power and influence, making it difficult for women and girls to speak out against violence and demand justice. Many men believe it is their birthright to dominate and abuse women, as the popular saying goes, “It’s a man’s world.” This attitude perpetuates unchallenged violence against women and girls.
Stigma and shame: Survivors of violence often face stigma, making them reluctant to seek help or report the violence. This shame can prevent them from pursuing justice and healing.
Dan Jikan Bauchi, Hussaini Abubakar Othman, the District Head of Miri in Bauchi Local Government Area, shared the challenge faced by traditional rulers in addressing violence against women and girls. Some families cover up violent acts against women and girls to protect perpetrators due to family relationships, friendships, or favors.
Institutional and systemic challenges: Nigeria’s law enforcement and justice systems are often weak, ineffective, or outdated, making it difficult to hold perpetrators accountable. Additionally, the lack of resources and funding presents another major challenge. Habiba Usman Sa’ad, Amira of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bauchi State Chapter, explained how addressing violence against women and girls requires significant resources. However, many organizations lack the funding necessary to provide adequate support, such as shelters for survivors.
Poverty and economic inequality: Poverty and economic inequality exacerbate violence against women and girls. Many Nigerians lack awareness about the issue, making it harder to prevent and respond to such violence. Limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, further complicates survivors’ ability to receive necessary medical care. Conflict and insecurity have increased the risk for women and girls, with the saying, “Women and girls are the spoils of war,” unfortunately becoming a grim reality.
These challenges require a sustained and multifaceted effort from the government, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and individuals. Despite these obstacles, I have witnessed progress in addressing violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
Progress in Addressing Violence Against Women and Girls:
Strengthening laws and policies: The Nigerian government has made significant strides in strengthening laws to protect women and girls. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015 is a landmark legislation criminalizing various forms of violence, including domestic violence, rape, and female genital mutilation. Bar. Elizabeth George, a practicing lawyer and executive director of the Child is Gold Foundation (CIGF), highlighted the VAPP Law and other policies such as the Child Rights Act and the current efforts to establish padbanks in primary and secondary schools in Bauchi State. These laws and initiatives are crucial in the fight against violence.
Increased awareness and advocacy: Activists, civil society organizations, media outlets, and religious groups are working together to raise awareness and advocate for an end to violence against women and girls. Traditional rulers also play a significant role, with many working to protect women’s rights in their communities. Dan Jikan Bauchi emphasized the influence of traditional institutions, noting that they can take action at the community level and refer cases to appropriate authorities when necessary.
Support Services for Survivors
Organizations are providing vital support services, including counseling, medical care, and legal assistance, to survivors of violence.
The Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) envisions a world where women, children, and youth are empowered. Empowering women and girls is the first step to addressing any form of violence. One of FOMWAN’s main objectives is to give a voice to Muslim women. The organization is focused on imparting knowledge, providing educational support, and organizing conferences to assess current and trending issues of concern related to violence against women and girls.
Hajiya Habiba Usman Sa’ad, the Amira of FOMWAN Bauchi State Chapter, enumerated the group’s areas of progress, which include the establishment of a reconciliation committee and the design of programs that engage boys. These programs aim to transform boys into agents of change, promote positive masculinity, and encourage them to protect girls from any form of danger. According to her, many members of the association have taken over custody of survivors of violence against women and girls, addressing the challenge of inadequate shelters for rehabilitation.
Another area of progress is the inclusive approach to reaching survivors through referral pathways. FOMWAN has partnered with the Women’s Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) to ensure Christian survivors are referred appropriately and vice versa. They also liaise with legal practitioners and healthcare providers to offer health and psychosocial support to victims and prosecute suspects.
Statistics reveal a drastic reduction in the perpetration of violence against women and girls. Bauchi State Referral Center recorded 200 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) from February to November 2023, compared to alarming figures from previous years. These cases frequently occur in remote areas due to poverty and lack of access to education.
IKRA Foundation for Women and Youth Development reported over 500 cases of SGBV in 2023, with at least 100 cases of sexual violence recorded in specific local government areas of the state. This report was published on October 15, 2023.
Despite this progress, much work remains to be done. Violence against women and girls is a complex and deeply entrenched issue that requires a sustained and multifaceted response.
As a journalist, I am committed to shining a light on this critical issue. I urge policymakers, activists, and individuals to join me in this fight. Together, we can create a Nigeria where women and girls are safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
The time to act is now. Let us work together to end violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
Melody Agwom Dauda
melodyagwom5@gmail.com
08139978610
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