Nigeria must stop fueling harmful traditional practices to win the war against GBV – Bisi Fayemi
Mrs. Erelu Bisi Fayemi, wife of former Ekiti State Governor, has launched a campaign against practices, beliefs and stereotypes that undermine the physical and mental well-being of women and girls, as Nigeria fights against all forms of gender-based violence (GBV). He emphasized the need to stop encouraging
The former Ekiti State First Lady was on Monday during the launch of the Invictus Africa Womanhood Index (GBV) 2023 Report on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) conducted in partnership with BudgeIT Foundation and Ford Foundation. I made this call in Abuja.
This report provides a comprehensive assessment of Nigeria's 36 state governments and the FCT based on their commitment to preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. are doing.
According to Ms. Fayemi, all harmful traditional practices that disrespect women's personhood must be avoided, as should the flourishing of a culture of impunity rooted in shaming and intimidation of survivors resulting in a lack of access to justice. It won't happen.
“Their time has passed. Widow abuse, female genital mutilation, child marriage, preference for men, disinheritance of women, etc. are incompatible with the principles of inalienable human rights.
“Patriarchal norms, attitudes and beliefs that normalize physical, sexual, psychological and economic violence, as well as gender stereotypes and ideas that degrade the status of girls and women, must also be checked. not.
“Gender equality and women’s empowerment remain a priority. Women’s economic empowerment, education, and full and equal participation in public and political life are essential to addressing the structural causes of violence against women and girls. It’s essential,” she said.
He deplored the woefully inadequate implementation and enforcement of GBV laws in the country, and regretted that developments had created the basis for a widespread culture of impunity.
“Everyone should be concerned that we continue to have significant gaps and challenges, and a lack of institutional capacity to enforce laws and policies.
“Inadequate implementation frameworks, lack of reliable data, lack of financial, technical, material and human resources, lack of cohesion and coordination, insufficient analysis and research, and lack of continuity hinder implementation. It makes it extremely difficult.”
Fayemi called on state governors to establish Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs) in their respective states, regardless of the availability of donations.
“GBV survivors also need support to make powerful choices. This is why we need the GBV Survivors Fund to help make this happen. In Ekiti State, the fund has helped over 500 women It is used to help people find accommodation, go back to school or start a business.
“Alongside resources for the care of GBV survivors, investment in mental health infrastructure is also needed because of the link between mental health and GBV.”
Due to the fact that Fayemi-Abia, Ekiti, Imo and Lagos states recently released a report establishing a strong legal framework to criminalize the customarily outlawed GBV; It was considered a “blue state” under the Law and Policy Index. Religious practices that perpetuate GBV.
The report noted that states have made consistent progress in reforming and strengthening GBV prevention and response laws, policies, and practices within eight years.
Source: guardian.ng