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The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, has said the organization has had increase number of reported rape cases despite that the country is no longer on lock down.
The organisation also said it has opened more offices across the country as the ones on ground were overwhelmed with daily reports of rape and different kinds of Sexual Based violence (SBV) cases.
FIDA country vice president, Rhoda Tyoden made this known at the opening ceremony of the Annual General Meeting and commemoration of the international day for elimination of violence against women which commences today.
The theme for this year is “Orange the world: end violence against women now”.
She said FIDA Nigeria created awareness by carrying out targeted advocacy and the resultant effect was an increase in reported GBV cases and the handling of such cases.
According to her “Violence against Women and Girls is a clear gross violation of their fundamental human rights. It is a global health and developmental issue that cuts across economic wealth, culture, religion, age, and sexual orientation. It is one of the most extreme expressions of unequal gender relations in our society, accordingly it remains a critical factor for the optimum contribution and development of women and girls in our society.
“The Covid-19 Pandemic showed more than ever that women are the most disadvantaged in the society, as the pandemic fueled an exponential increase in VAWG through domestic and physical abuse, rape, psychological abuse, early marriage etc.”
Tyoden urged institutions and communities to be proactive and develop policies that prevent and deal forthwith with abuse to act as a deterrent to offenders.
