Amid growing concerns for the safety of women and children, an important step was taken when the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, signed a landmark agreement with the wives of governors to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful social practices against women. This agreement was formalized yesterday in Abuja during the inaugural ‘Gender and Social Norms Summit 2024,’ organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Renewed Hope initiative, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Tinubu expressed deep concern over the persistence of harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), assaults on women, and child marriages, some of which tragically result in Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF). Despite ongoing efforts, these practices continue to be alarmingly prevalent. The First Lady noted with grave concern that the incidence of such practices has increased over time. Additionally, she highlighted the alarming rise in rape cases and other forms of GBV, pointing out that even infants have not been spared from this violence.
Mrs. Tinubu posed a critical question to the audience: “Do we allow this trend to continue, or do we look the other way?” She then called on law enforcement agencies, the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the National Assembly (NASS) to implement and enforce stricter laws and penalties for perpetrators of rape, sexual violence, and other forms of GBV. She emphasized that no guilty party should be allowed to roam freely, preying on potential future victims.
However, the First Lady stressed that collective action is essential to eradicate these harmful practices. She advocated for the creation of state-specific action plans, which would promote the allocation of adequate resources within government budgets to support gender equality initiatives and GBV prevention programs. Furthermore, she underscored the significance of the summit, noting that it offers a unified platform for raising awareness, sharing lessons learned, and promoting effective strategies to prevent and respond to GBV and harmful practices.
Mr. Koessan Kuawu, the UNFPA Officer-In-Charge, also spoke at the summit, emphasizing the importance of family planning as not only a crucial health intervention but also as a cornerstone of gender equality and women’s empowerment. However, he pointed out that social norms often drive misconceptions and cultural barriers, particularly in many Nigerian communities, which hinder the uptake of family planning services. According to Mr. Kuawu, Nigeria’s large population places it in a unique position globally in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. He commended the Federal Government for its unwavering commitment to creating an enabling environment through the passage and enforcement of critical legislations such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015.
Mr. Kuawu also praised the implementation of the national FGM policy, the national child marriage policy, and state-specific action plans aimed at eliminating harmful practices. These achievements, he noted, have been the result of persistent advocacy efforts focused on strengthening the adoption and implementation of these laws. Despite the immense challenges in eliminating GBV and harmful social practices, Mr. Kuawu expressed confidence that with the right resources, political will, and community support across the states, the narrative for women and girls in Nigeria can be transformed.
On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Uju Ohanneye, called for stricter penalties for perpetrators of GBV. She drew comparisons to other countries where people are deterred from committing crimes due to the severe legal and social consequences. Mrs. Ohanneye reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting and implementing programs aimed at eradicating GBV.
Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), provided further insights into the issue, defining social norms as the unspoken rules or expected behaviors that establish social standards of appropriate and inappropriate conduct within a specific culture or social group. Represented by the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. Beatrice Agba, Mr. Fagbemi explained that GBV encompasses various forms of violence directed at individuals based on their gender, often rooted in unequal power dynamics and societal norms. He also acknowledged that these practices might unfortunately be attributed to the patriarchal and male-dominance framework prevalent in society.
Mr. Fagbemi assured that the Federal Ministry of Justice is fully aware of the critical role the justice system plays in addressing gender and social norms by providing a framework for accountability, protection, and empowerment. By upholding the rule of law, promoting gender equality, and advancing justice for all, the justice system can significantly contribute to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and just society for current and future generations. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing legislative reforms and the ministry’s collaboration with key stakeholders to engage community actors such as traditional rulers, faith-based organizations, and informal community justice systems to address the norms and institutions that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
Emir of Shonga, Haliru Yahaya, also contributed to the discussion by emphasizing the crucial role of traditional leaders in community programs aimed at combating GBV and harmful practices. He pointed out that without the support of local leaders, such initiatives may fail to resonate with the community. Emir Yahaya expressed concern that progress made in addressing practices like FGM and early marriage had been eroded by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing poverty. He commended the efforts of the First Lady and the Women Affairs Ministry in addressing these issues and urged all stakeholders to collaborate closely with traditional leaders to ensure they are well-informed and supportive of initiatives aimed at protecting women and girls.
In conclusion, Emir Yahaya stressed the importance of a collaborative approach to empower women, warning that neglecting their contributions would hinder national progress. The summit was attended by the wives of state governors, state Commissioners of Women Affairs and Health, Ministers of Women Affairs, youths, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, all of whom were united in their commitment to combating GBV and promoting gender equality in Nigeria.
Source: thesun.ng
