Gender Based Violence: NHRC frowns at cultural practices that violates women’s rights

The National Human Rights Commission, Bauchi office has frowned at society’s tacit approval of cultural practices that violate women and girls rights in the country.

The Commission equally decried the level of gender-based violence as few perpetrators are brought to book, and most victims are afraid of speaking out because of reprisal attacks by the violators.

This was stated by the Coordinator of the commission in Bauchi state, Yahcit Dala while flagging off the 16 days of activism on violence held at the office of the first lady of Bauchi state.

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She said, the 16 days activism is observed: “to raise awareness on violence against women and girls, promote human rights, while also advocating and energising action towards the end of violence against women and girls which is perpetrated across class, culture, or geography”.

Dala who read the text of the executive secretary of the commission explained that ” these violations are perpetrated with impunity as few violators if any are held accountable for the violations or abuse”.

She added that stigmatization of the victims by the society is the major culprit of victims not reporting such violations. These violations according to her include rape, domestic violence, forced/early marriage, denial of marriage inheritance, physical and sexual assault among others.

Dala informed that as activities to mark the 16 days activism, the commission will: “engage in constructive advocacy with States to pass laws to outlaw harmful practices against women and girls, make policies that seek to protect women and girls and take a stand against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGVB)”.

In his remarks, Mr Beji Jibe from the Civil Society Organizations urged the victims and the society to speak out and support efforts of various stakeholders towards total eradication of Gender-based violence. He added that keeping quiet acknowledging and supporting the perpetrators who should be brought to book.