Ending Silence: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Sparks Call for Action and Empowerment By Temilade Aloko.
As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence for 2024 comes to an end, women have been advised to always speak out against violence in any form to avoid suffering in silence.
Alarming Statistics on Gender-Based Violence
According to global statistics, nearly one in three women experiences violence in their lifetime. Adolescent girls are particularly at risk, with one in four experiencing abuse by their partners. Tragically, for thousands of women, the cycle of gender-based violence ends in murder, often at the hands of their partners or family members.
The 16 Days of Activism serve as a vital platform to renew commitments, demand accountability, and push for action from policymakers to address these issues.
NAWOJ Chairperson Speaks on Achievements and Challenges
The Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State Chapter, Omolola Alamu, featured on Ilubinrin, a women’s flagship program on Splash FM, to commemorate the campaign. During the program, she highlighted the achievements of NAWOJ in Oyo State, which include rescuing women and children from various forms of violence and conducting enlightenment campaigns for women, particularly those unaware of their legal rights.
Omolola Alamu also mentioned the collaboration between NAWOJ and other organizations, including the Nigeria Police Force and their gender desk, to tackle violence against women. The association has been engaging market women and providing dedicated helpline numbers, which have yielded positive results, particularly for the less privileged.
Key Issues and Interventions
The NAWOJ Chairperson identified wife battering and sexual harassment as the most prevalent forms of violence against women in society.
She emphasized that training programs are being organized to educate women on building harmonious marriages. For men, she clarified that being the head of the family does not grant the right to physically abuse their wives. Instead, male headship should be seen as a responsibility and obligation rather than an avenue for autocratic authority.
Call for Implementation of Laws
Omolola Alamu commended the Oyo State Government for the laws enacted so far to protect women and children. However, she urged the government to ensure the effective implementation of these laws to curb violence against women.
Empowerment and Encouragement
She further called on women not to die in silence but to speak out and seek help.
Women were also encouraged to diligently fulfill their responsibilities and strive for financial independence by engaging in meaningful ventures.
Ilubinrin airs every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Splash FM and is anchored by Temilade Aloko. You can listen to and watch the full interview via this link.
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