UN: Push for Gender Equality Not Challenge to Men’s Positions

•Stakeholders say survivors’ silence setback in war against violence

Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Beatrice Eyong, yesterday maintained that  no one should perceive the call for gender equality as a move to challenge men for positions.

Eyong who made the appeal while delivering her address at the UN Women Nigeria Media Partners Conference 2023 in Abuja, noted that the call for gender equality by women is to allow for equal opportunities for all genders to excel.

Eyong said: “We are not talking about women taking over men’s position but to provide equal opportunities to women just as men, removing the inequalities that block people from progressing.”

She noted that the theme of the conference: “Escalating Media Action for Women’s Empowerment and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls”, called for the media to help end gender-based violence, women empowerment and equality.

“The work we do is changing behaviour and we know the media can help us. We want to bring women’s issues to the front burner,” she said, lamenting that gender inequality has stopped Nigeria from achieving key Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

She emphasised that achieving 35 per cent affirmative action was important to bring about development in Nigeria.

Also speaking at the event, the Enechi Ekuma IV Okposi Kingdom in Ohaozara, Ebonyi State, Dr Onyie Agwu, assured the conference of the backing of the traditional institution in Nigeria.

The traditional ruler who said that he has the backing of his colleagues across Africa, said traditional institution supports all efforts to empower women, bring them out of poverty and fight against gender-based violence.

Meanwhile, as part of activities marking the 16 days of activism for the elimination of Gender-based Violence, (GBV), stakeholders have identified continuous silence by survivors as one of the major factors hindering the success of the campaign in Kogi State.

In a sensitisation walk held in Lokoja yesterday in commemoration of the event, organised by Kogi Women Constituency Lead, the group’s Spokesperson Eunice Agbogun posited that many women and girls were dying in silence despite suffering from all forms of violence in the state.

Agbogun, who is the Executive Director Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI) stated that there was need for aggressive awareness on the need for survivors to open up on the societal menace, stressing that, it is a collective responsibility for Nigerians to combat the pervasive issue.

While noting that eradicating GBV required strategic, targeted, and adequately funded interventions from a multi-sectoral approach, Agbogun opined that  a designated court will give speedy actions to cases of GBV in the state.

 “An action plan provides a roadmap, allocating resources where they are most impactful. It encompasses prevention, protection, and support mechanisms, ensuring a holistic approach to address the root causes and consequences of gender-based violence.

“The toll of gender-based violence on individuals, families, and societies is immeasurable, affecting mental, physical, and economic well-being. By committing resources to this cause, we invest in a safer, more just world for all.

“As the women constituency lead in partnership with other groups and various government agencies embark on these year 16 days of activism, let us unite in our resolve to turn the tide against gender-based violence.

“Together, let us advocate a multi-sectoral ‘costed’ action plan for effective implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and a designated court that not only speaks to our aspirations but also ensures a future where every person can live free from fear, violence, and discrimination,” she stressed.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu, disclosed that the commission stands resolute in its commitment to address critical issues affecting the rights of women and girls.

Represented at the occasion by the Kogi State Coordinator of NHRC,  Nuhu  Mohammed, he noted that the day serves as a reminder of the pressing need to confront and alleviate the multifaceted challenges faced by women and girls and by extension the society.

Also speaking, the Country Vice President/National President, International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA) Nigeria, Amina Agbaje, described GBV as a global problem that requires concerted global action.

According to her, there is need for all stakeholders to join hands to build a safe and more inclusive world for women and girls.

Represented by the Kogi State Chairperson of FIDA, Lilian Okolo, she said: “FIDA Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to prevent violence against women and girls and calls on the government, private sector, Civil Society Organisations, media and indeed all stakeholders to amplify their commitments and investment to improved laws and violence preventions”.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development,  Fatima Buba, lamented that it was worrisome that the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, (NDHS) 2018 report found out that 9 per cent of women aged 15 and 49 had suffered assault at least once in their life and 31 per cent had experienced physical violence.

Buba was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Stella-Maris Andy.