Lagos, Nigeria—The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference hosted a pivotal Breakout Session 11, focused on the critical issue of gender-based violence (GBV). The session, titled “From Crises to Action: Is the Tide Rising Against Gender-Based Violence?” brought together distinguished speakers to discuss the progress, challenges, and future strategies in combating GBV in Nigeria and across Africa.
The session was moderated by Mrs. Chinyere Okorocha, Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum. She opened the discussion by emphasizing the urgent need to address gender-based violence and highlighted the session’s goal of transforming conversations into actionable strategies that can bring about tangible change.
Discussants:
The panel featured a diverse and esteemed group of discussants:
- Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Nigeria:
Minister Uju Kennedy Ohanenye brought a governmental perspective, discussing recent policy initiatives to curb gender-based violence in Nigeria. She outlined the government’s commitment to strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing support services for survivors, and raising awareness about GBV at the community level. - Thulisile Mhlungu, Board Chairperson, Women Legal Centre, South Africa:
Thulisile Mhlungu provided insights from South Africa’s experience in combating gender-based violence, drawing parallels between the challenges faced in South Africa and Nigeria. She emphasized the importance of legal advocacy and grassroots mobilization in driving systemic change and shared successful strategies that have been implemented in her country. - Dr. Abiola Akiyode Afolabi, Founder, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Nigeria:
Dr. Abiola Akiyode Afolabi focused on the role of civil society in addressing GBV, highlighting the importance of research, documentation, and advocacy. She discussed how evidence-based approaches can influence policy and legal reforms and stressed the need for continuous collaboration between civil society organizations and government agencies. - Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA):
Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi provided a local perspective, sharing the efforts and successes of Lagos State in combating domestic and sexual violence. She spoke about the agency’s work in providing support to survivors, raising public awareness, and working closely with law enforcement to ensure justice is served. Vivour-Adeniyi also highlighted the importance of community engagement and preventive measures in addressing GBV.
From Crises to Action: The Rising Tide Against Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive human rights issues in Nigeria, affecting women and girls across the country. Despite numerous laws and policies designed to combat GBV, the problem persists, fueled by deep-rooted cultural norms, economic disparities, and inadequate enforcement of legal protections. However, recent years have seen a growing tide of activism, policy reform, and public awareness aimed at tackling this critical issue.
The Scope of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria
GBV in Nigeria manifests in various forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault, female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriages, and human trafficking. According to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), nearly 30% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, and a significant number have faced sexual violence. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, leading to an alarming increase in reported cases of domestic violence during lockdown periods.
Legal Frameworks and Policy Responses
Nigeria has made some progress in addressing GBV through legislative reforms and policy initiatives. Key among these is the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) of 2015, which provides comprehensive measures to prevent and respond to various forms of violence. The VAPP Act criminalizes offenses such as domestic violence, harmful traditional practices, and sexual violence, and provides for the protection of victims and survivors.
However, the implementation of the VAPP Act has been uneven across Nigeria, with only a handful of states fully adopting the law. This patchy adoption underscores the challenges of enforcing legal protections in a country with diverse legal systems, including customary and Sharia law, which sometimes conflict with statutory law.
In addition to the VAPP Act, Nigeria has other laws aimed at protecting women and girls, including the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (2015). Despite these legal frameworks, enforcement remains a significant hurdle, with many victims unable to access justice due to factors such as corruption, stigma, and lack of awareness.
Challenges in Combating Gender-Based Violence
Several challenges hinder the fight against GBV in Nigeria. Cultural and societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality are deeply entrenched, making it difficult to change attitudes toward violence against women. For instance, domestic violence is often viewed as a private matter, with many communities reluctant to intervene or report such cases.
Economic dependence also plays a critical role in perpetuating GBV. Many women who experience violence are financially reliant on their abusers, making it difficult for them to leave abusive relationships. The lack of shelters and support services further complicates the situation, leaving victims with few options.
Law enforcement and the judicial system also face significant challenges. Police officers are often inadequately trained to handle GBV cases sensitively, and the judiciary is sometimes slow in prosecuting offenders. This delay in justice not only prolongs the suffering of victims but also discourages others from coming forward.
The Role of Civil Society and Activism
Despite these challenges, civil society organizations (CSOs) and activists in Nigeria have been at the forefront of the fight against GBV. Organizations such as the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Mirabel Centre, and Project Alert have played crucial roles in providing legal aid, counseling, and support services to survivors of GBV. They have also been instrumental in raising awareness and advocating for policy changes.
Grassroots activism has gained momentum, particularly with the rise of social media campaigns such as #JusticeForUwa and #SayNoToRape, which have drawn national and international attention to cases of sexual violence and other forms of GBV in Nigeria. These campaigns have not only highlighted the prevalence of GBV but have also pressured authorities to take action against perpetrators.
Recent Developments and Success Stories
Recent developments suggest that the tide may indeed be rising against GBV in Nigeria. There has been a noticeable increase in the adoption of the VAPP Act by various states, with advocacy efforts pushing more states to pass the law. Lagos State, for instance, has been a pioneer in implementing robust legal frameworks and support systems for GBV survivors, including the establishment of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
Moreover, there has been a growing emphasis on the need for community engagement and education to change societal attitudes toward GBV. Initiatives aimed at educating men and boys about gender equality and the consequences of violence have begun to take root, signaling a shift in societal norms.
The Nigerian government, under increasing pressure from civil society and the international community, has also made commitments to strengthen its response to GBV. The launch of the National Strategy to End Child Marriage and the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence are examples of strategic frameworks aimed at addressing the root causes of GBV and improving the coordination of response efforts.
Moving Forward: The Way Ahead
While progress has been made, much remains to be done to effectively combat GBV in Nigeria. There is an urgent need for the following actions:
- Strengthening Legal Frameworks: All states must adopt and fully implement the VAPP Act. Additionally, there should be continuous review and strengthening of existing laws to close any gaps and ensure comprehensive protection for women and girls.
- Enhancing Law Enforcement and Judicial Responses: Training for law enforcement officers and the judiciary on handling GBV cases is critical. Swift prosecution of offenders and justice for victims must be prioritized to deter future crimes.
- Supporting Survivors: The government and NGOs must work together to provide more shelters, counseling, and legal aid services for GBV survivors. Economic empowerment programs for women can also reduce their dependence on abusers and provide them with the means to escape violence.
- Changing Cultural Norms: Long-term success in combating GBV will require a shift in societal attitudes. Community-based education programs that challenge harmful gender norms and promote gender equality are essential.
- Increased Funding and Resources: The government must allocate sufficient resources to support GBV prevention and response initiatives. This includes funding for the Legal Aid Council, law enforcement, shelters, and awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
The fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria is far from over, but there are signs of progress. Through continued advocacy, legal reforms, and societal change, there is hope that Nigeria can turn the tide against GBV. The collective efforts of the government, civil society, and individuals will be crucial in ensuring that women and girls can live free from violence and that justice is accessible to all.
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