Gender-Based Violence: Long road to equality, justice amid violent conflicts

Globally, the gains made through persistent campaigns for gender equality and justice, are being lost by pervasive armed conflicts that infringe on the fundamental rights of women and girls, endanger their lives, restrict their choices, and limit girls’ future. YETUNDE AYOBAMI OJO reports that these complex challenges may hinder the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline.

One of the most common challenges facing girls is Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This violence in all its forms—physical, sexual or emotional and constitute a profound violation of human rights.

According to reports, over 370 million girls and women globally experienced rape or sexual assault as children. On October 10, 2024, UNICEF published its first-ever global estimate on sexual violence against children, revealing that 79 million girls, one in five, in sub-Saharan countries hit by conflicts had experienced sexual assault or rape before turning 18.

Faced with a disturbing reality, 650 million girls and women were globally affected by non-contact forms of sexual violence, such as online and verbal abuse. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

In Nigeria, entrenched patriarchal norms perpetuate violence and inequality. Nigeria remains a patriarchal society where men are viewed as dominant and women as subordinate, often resulting in violence when women do not meet culturally imposed expectations.

Today, one in five young women aged between 20 and 24 years were married as children. Nearly one in four partnered or married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse.

Globally, 75 per cent of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls. One in three adolescent girls also suffers from anaemia, which is a form of malnutrition. Almost double that number of adolescent girls – one in four, compared to boys, are not in any form of education, employment or training. Also, six per cent of women report that they have been subjected to sexual violence from someone other than their husband or partner worldwide.

Pundits believe that discrimination and violent acts against women are not isolated incidents, but systemic. According to them, it is perpetuated by cultural definitions of sex roles and expectations of subservience. Many girls and women, they said, are economically dependent on men, which exacerbates their vulnerability. Consequently, the far-reaching economic and societal costs of Gender Based Violence, they said, include physical injury, mental health disorders, and significant losses.

The UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell said: “Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience. It inflicts deep and lasting trauma, often by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe.

“These alarming statistics necessitate the need for immediate and comprehensive prevention support strategies to eradicate all forms of violence and abuse, and demand urgent and collective action.”

The President of Africa Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Mrs Mandy Demechi- Asagba while speaking on the International Day of the Girl Child themed: “Girls’ Vision for the Future”, disclosed that the day, October 11 is set aside to empower young voices. According to her, it is a pivotal global yearly observance that celebrates the achievements, and leadership of girls, recognising the inherent rights and limitless potential of girls worldwide. It also provides a platform to promote gender equality, amplify girls’ voices and foster inclusive development, leadership and innovation.

Demechi-Asagba said: “As lawyers, advocates, and defenders of human rights, we must ensure that girls and women have access to the justice they deserve.

“We must work to strengthen legal frameworks, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), while also pressing for greater enforcement of national laws against GBV. Nevertheless, the law alone is not enough; we must change mindsets, ensuring that girls and women know their rights and feel empowered to claim them.

“It is pertinent to note, however, that while girls and women are disproportionately impacted, boys and men also suffer from sexual violence.”

According to her, 240 to 310 million boys/men (1 in 11) experienced childhood rape/assault, while 410 to 530 million are estimated to be involved when non-contact forms of abuse are included.

Citing research data, she noted that there are significant data gaps, showing that boys’ experiences are underreported, while non-contact forms of sexual violence are understudied. To combat sexual violence against children, she suggested increased investment, adding that data collection is also crucial.

She said education is the pathway to equality and a vital tool to fight it. “Girls’ vision for the future is incomplete without access to quality education, which is fundamental to breaking the cycle of poverty and discrimination.

“Many girls in Africa remain out of school due to child marriages, economic hardship, and societal norms that favour boys’ education over that of girls. Early marriage is a major barrier to girls’ education, especially in rural areas.

“We must prioritise universal access to education, providing girls with the tools they need to succeed. This includes not only academic instruction but also digital literacy. In an increasingly digital world, girls must have access to technology and the skills needed to compete in the global economy. By investing in education, we are investing in the future of Africa,” she declared.

She further stated that economic empowerment is a game-changer for girls.
“Economic empowerment is critical to achieving gender equality. When girls and women are economically independent, they can make decisions about their lives and futures without fear of dependence or coercion. Financial inclusion, equal pay, and job opportunities in male-dominated fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are essential in closing the gender gap.

“The African Union’s Agenda 2063 highlights the importance of empowering women economically to drive sustainable development across the continent. Providing access to financial services, entrepreneurial training, and business opportunities, can lift families out of poverty and create a ripple effect that benefits entire communities,” the lawyer said.

She, therefore, said there is an urgent need to achieve gender parity, and that the roadmap to attaining the goal requires coordinated action at every level – local, national and global.

Demechi-Asagba called for synergy between government and civil societies to implement inclusive policies and support grassroots movements that advocate for girls’ rights.

“Governments, civil society organisations, and international bodies must come together to implement inclusive policies and support grassroots movements that advocate for girls’ rights. Strengthening legal frameworks, providing access to healthcare, and ensuring representation for women in leadership are essential steps in this journey.

“The International Day of the Girl Child reminds us that the future of our world depends on the success and empowerment of girls. As we look to 2030, let us unite to break the chains of discrimination and violence that hold them back. Let us invest in their education, protect them from harm, and create economic opportunities that allow them to realise their potential.

“The facts are clear: investing in girls empowers a better world. With support, resources, and opportunities, 1.1 billion girls can achieve limitless potential. Girls’ leadership yields immediate and far-reaching impact:

“It results in stronger families, thriving communities, economies flourish and a brighter future for generations. When we empower girls, we secure the future of our nation.”

The President of the International Charitable Initiative for Girl Child and Women Development Foundation, Mrs Helen Ibeji said there is a need to create a world where every girl child is safe, educated and empowered.

When the group visited the Nigeria Female Correctional Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos State to feed the inmates to mark the girl’s child day, she harped on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.

Ibeji said this year’s theme conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope for girls and by extension women.