Wanted: Collective action against sexual violence
05 March 2025 |
4:13 am
A report that a woman in Nigeria becomes a victim of sexual violence or is killed every 10 minutes is nothing but alarming and disgraceful. This staggering statistic was credited to the Salama Assault Referral Centre and reported by news media.
A report that a woman in Nigeria becomes a victim of sexual violence or is killed every 10 minutes is nothing but alarming and disgraceful. This staggering statistic was credited to the Salama Assault Referral Centre and reported by news media. Also, according to a study conducted by the Women at Risk International Foundation, approximately 33 per cent of women and girls aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime. Besides, the National Human Rights Commission recorded over 11,200 reported cases of rape in 2020 alone. These show that in recent years, the prevalence of sexual violence in Nigeria has reached a frightening level.
Despite these figures, many cases remain unreported due to societal stigma and a pervasive lack of trust in law enforcement, as a study found that only 3.3 per cent of sexual violence cases are reported to authorities. Essentially, the stigma surrounding sexual violence often discourages victims from speaking out, and this silence perpetuates a cycle of violence where perpetrators act with impunity, knowing that their victims are unlikely to seek justice.
In trying to unravel the crisis of sexual violence against women in Nigeria, evidence points to cultural chains. According to experts, the high rates of sexual violence in Nigeria are significantly influenced by entrenched cultural beliefs that prioritise male dominance and female subordination. So, beyond facing social ostracism and blame from their communities, which deter survivors from reporting incidents, many communities uphold traditional norms that view women as property or inferior beings, leading to a culture where violence against women is routine. For instance, practices such as early marriage and female genital mutilation are not only prevalent but are often justified by cultural traditions that devalue women’s autonomy. In many cases, survivors and victims are blamed for provoking their attackers, reinforcing the cycle of violence and silence. This cultural conditioning creates an environment where women feel powerless to seek help or report crimes against them. So, it is a profound societal crisis that reflects deep-rooted cultural and societal factors.
The few survivors of sexual violence who attempt to seek justice encounter numerous barriers, such as ineffective legal frameworks, fear of retaliation and poor support services. While laws exist to protect women, enforcement is weak due to corruption and inadequate training among law enforcement officials. In fact, many survivors/victims’ families fear retribution from their attackers or their families if they come forward. A significant shortage of accessible legal and psychological support services for survivors/victims’ families leaves them without the necessary resources to navigate the aftermath of violence.
The disturbing statistic of assault on women represents countless lives shattered by fear, stigma and a justice system that often fails to protect survivors and victims’ families, indicating a systemic issue that requires robust intervention. The urgency for change cannot be overstated. This reality highlights an urgent crisis that demands immediate attention and action because the implications of such violence extend beyond individual trauma; they permeate the very fabric of society, undermining safety, dignity and the fundamental rights of women nationwide.
Therefore, it is imperative that the society breaks the silence and breaks this cycle. Women in Nigeria deserve better. Government agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), media, and citizens must collaborate to create an environment where women feel safe reporting incidents and seeking help without fear of retribution or stigma.
It is, therefore, imperative to strengthen the legal frameworks. The government should enforce stricter laws against sexual violence and ensure that law enforcement agencies are adequately trained to handle such cases sensitively. While the Nigerian media has drawn attention to the epidemic of sexual violence, it still has a critical role in combating the vice through awareness-raising and advocacy. It should go beyond episodic reporting and consistently report incidents of sexual violence, highlighting survivor stories and critiquing societal norms that enable such behaviour.
In particular, investigative journalism can expose systemic failures within law enforcement and advocate for policy changes prioritising survivor/victim family support. At the same time, editorial writers can challenge cultural narratives that perpetuate violence against women, encouraging readers to reflect on their beliefs and behaviours.
Another path forward is community interventions because the community can play a crucial role in reducing the prevalence of sexual violence among young women in Nigeria. Therefore, relevant government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and CSOs should embark on sensitisation and launch initiatives aimed at changing societal attitudes towards survivors and victims of sexual violence. Education can empower communities to support survivors rather than shun them.
Initiatives that educate communities about women’s rights and the unacceptability of violence can shift cultural perceptions. Consequently, engaging men as allies is crucial because programmes involving men in discussions about gender equality can challenge harmful norms and promote respectful relationships. Community leaders should advocate for women’s rights and safety actively because their influence can help shift cultural norms that tolerate violence against women.
Also, CSOs and relevant MDAs should establish comprehensive support systems for survivors, including counselling and legal assistance to help them navigate the aftermath of violence. It is also crucial to create empowerment programmes that provide women with skills, training, and economic opportunities to enhance their independence and reduce vulnerability to violence.
The Nigerian citizens must be alive to violence against women, demand accountability from leaders, and support initiatives that protect the most vulnerable in the society. It is time for every Nigerian to join this crucial movement and speak out against sexual violence to ensure that every woman lives free from fear. Every Nigerian deserves to live free from fear and violence.
The fight against sexual violence in Nigeria requires a collective effort from all sectors of society. The time for silence is over. Let Nigerians stand together to say enough is enough. Women’s rights are human rights, and every woman in Nigeria deserves safety, respect and dignity.
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