Story from Beatrice GONDYI, Bauchi
The National Human Rights Commission has emphasized the need for relevant laws to be put in place against sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls.
The charge was given by the gender focal person of NHRC Hajiya Maryam, during a round table meeting with Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, International federation of women lawyers, FIDA and Civil Society Organizations on the way forward in curbing the rate of violence against women and girls, held at BASNEC Bauchi.
She said violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world. It knows no social, economic or national boundaries. Worldwide, an estimated one in three women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime.
She explained that gender-based violence undermines the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its victims, yet it remains shrouded in a culture of silence.
“Victims of violence can suffer sexual and reproductive health consequences, including forced and unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, traumatic fistula, sexually transmitted infections including HIV and even death”.
“Women and girls face a far greater level of vulnerability, marginalization and the resulting violence, especially for those who experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, like widows, elderly people, as well as women and children whose social orientation someone decides, are not acceptable”.
Hajiya Maryam enjoined all hands to be on deck towards curbing this menace in the society.
The round table is a series of activities marking the 16 days activism to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls.
