NFF Seeks End to Violence against Women, Girls

NFF Seeks End to Violence against Women, Girls

Tobi Soniyi

As the world today observes the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence, (June 19) the Nigerian Feminist Forum has called for an end to all forms of violence against women and girls.

In a statement issued yesterday, NFF stated that for more than 10 years, Nigerian women and girls had been subjected to rape, incest, death, kidnappings, discrimination and a host of other sexual violence as a result of the insurgency taking place in various parts of the country.

The statement signed by NFF’ s Communications Officer, Angela Nkwo, said women had been the biggest victims of the sexual violence pandemic and lack of political will to enforce existing laws.

The women group lamented that there was no justice for women and girls as many families decided to settle sexual violence cases out of court, due to stigma, the family name, and the fact that law enforcement officers took these accusations lightly and often blamed survivors.

The statement said: “The Nigerian Government at different levels have failed to protect women and girls from sexual violence in the war against insecurity, sometimes from the law enforcement operatives.

“Sexual violence is a serious public health and human rights problem with both short- and long-term consequences on women’s physical, mental, and sexual and reproductive health.

“Whether sexual violence occurs within the context of an intimate partnership, within the larger family or community structure, or during times of conflict, it is a deeply violating and painful experience for the survivor.”

NFF therefore called on all survivors to end the culture of silence and speak out against perpetrators of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

It also called for the release of Leah Sharibu and all other women and girls held against their wish by their abductors, and being used as sex slaves.

NFF asked all states to immediately pass the Violence against Persons Prohibition Bill (VAPP) to protect everyone from all forms of violence even as it called on government to provide absolute protection of lives and property across the country.

It appealed to the authorities to stop abduction and kidnapping of women and school girls by insurgents and other criminal elements, for sexual violence and for ransom purposes.

NFF further demanded that the Nigeria Police establishes a gender desk in every station and handle sexual violence cases as criminal offences and not a civil matter to be settled out of court.

NFF said: “We demand a safe Nigeria! We demand a safe and peaceful environment for women and girls! We demand an end to insurgency and killings across the country.”

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