Experts decry increase in sexual, gender-based violence

The Founder of the Gnosis Health Initiative, Olumide Kayode Omosebi, has expressed concern over the alarming prevalence of Gender-based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
 
Speaking at the Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC) summit on gender equity and the elimination of sexual and gender-based violence, Omosebi highlighted statistics showing that one in three women in Nigeria has experienced domestic or gender-based violence at some point in their lives.
 

Omosebi called for an end to the perception of abuse as a private family matter, urging stronger enforcement of laws against domestic violence, abuse, and child defilement.
 
Revd Sister Theresa Ani, an advocate from the Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, underscored the importance of teaching children their inherent worth to build self-esteem and resilience.
 
“The outdated adage that ‘children should be seen and not heard’ must be discarded. Children should be heard—that is how self-esteem is nurtured,” she said.
Ani, who is also a Carmelite missionary called for the integration of educational programs in schools to help students identify and report sexual and domestic violence.

Ani further urged the government to ensure teachers impart the right knowledge and values to children, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society.
 
“Parents must also treat their children equally, regardless of gender, and provide the same moral training to boys and girls alike,” she added.
 
The experts called for collective action from families, schools, religious institutions, and policymakers to address the root causes of gender-based violence and promote gender equity in Nigeria.