Women
Ending Violence Against Women
Violence is an expression of physical or verbal force against one self or others, used to injure. Compelling action against one’s will or pain of being hurt. Violence involves threat to life and actual murder. Violence against women means all acts perpetrated against women which cause or could cause them physical, sexual, psychological and economic harm, including the threat to take such acts; or to undertake the imposition of arbitrary restrictions on or deprivation of fundamental freedoms in private or public life, in peace time and during situations of armed conflicts or of war. According to the dictionary, children are offsprings of parentage, unborn or recently born human being. At Common Law, a child (boy or girl) is one who had not attained the age of 14 years. This presupposes that a girl child is a female that is incapable due to age to make certain decisions for herself but is entitled to care, support (emotional, mental and physical) and love of her parents or guardian, for her wellbeing. The term child or children may include or apply to: adopted, after, born or illegitimate child; step child; child by second or former marriage; issue. This girl child is the same person that grows into the “female or adult human being which conceives and gives birth to the young, also a member of such sex. She is the mother, wife, and sister we all have today. The creator of the girl child or women vested in her certain rights and honor which she is to enjoy without violation, recognised today as human rights in various legal instruments. Any denial, refusal or violation of these rights amounts to an abuse. It is not in doubt that women play important role in the society as mothers, wives and caregivers. Fulfilling those, brings joy happiness and stability to men, women and the society as a whole. Women need the support, love and protection of their husbands, children and members of the society as they strive to function as women. Sad to say however, that for untold number of years now, the girl child, the woman, have continued to suffer several forms of abuse or violence, deprivation and neglect from the same people or society that ought to give her support and love. A brief overview of some of these acts of violence will reveal some sobering statistics. Women and children including boys and girls are mostly at the receiving end of violent acts in times of civil unrest, war and trouble because they are the vulnerable and defenseless group in society. A brief overview of some of these acts of violence will reveal sobering statistics. Trafficking in Women and Children• Women and children (especially girl children) are recruited, transported to unknown destinations, exploited by their victims for economic, sexual ritual and other fraudulent purposes. This is a global epidemic, a modern day slavery of the women and girl child. According to a recent report, between 700,000 and 2 million women are trafficked across international borders annually (UNFPA). These have been identified as a serious threat to human security and development. The report goes on to state that about six Nigerian girls are killed monthly in Italy by ritual killers(probably disposing their vital organs for money or ritual purposes; 30% of Nigerians trafficked through the Sahara desert die in transit. Another disturbing part of this report is that at least 60% of foreign prostitutes in Italy are from African countries, the majority from Nigeria (there are 10,000 to 15,000 prostitutes in Italy). UNICEF estimates that 1.2 million children are trafficked annually. Who are the traffickers we may ask? The report identified the major culprits as con men, yes, our own brothers, fathers, uncles and husband are the primary culprits who pose as helpers of destiny and lure these women and girls into harmful and destructive practice. This is the plight of women on a daily basis. Sad to say that even mothers have also been identified as partakers of this wicked act by using poverty as an excuse to give out their girls children and wards to unknown persons as maids, servants etc who turn out to be predators, by using their children to sell or hawk goods on the streets, or by outright sale of their babies to unknown persons for profit. Domestic Violence . Home violence is so common that many of us see its damage. The bruises and scratches, some resulting to serious injuries and sometimes death that we see often is a result of wife battering or beating even of pregnant ones. These are forms of “family violence that cuts across race, class and background. It is widespread and occurs as often among the upper class as among the lower Husband, brother-in- laws and stepsons are identified as the perpetrators of this indecency. After investigating human abuses committed worldwide in 1997 researchers concluded that “ domestic violence has been one of the principal causes of formal injury in almost every country in the world” Domestic violence, being a widespread yet underreported problem is now called “the silent crises of the” 20th century.” Sexual Abuse in times of trouble, wars or civil unrest: women are the most vulnerable group to be raped and abused sexually. Even children suffer physical, sexual and emotional abuse throughout the world and there seems to be an appalling silence from some representatives when these acts against women are committed within their communities by male members of the community. A survey of adults in several industrialized countries suggests that 10-15% of children are victims of sexual abuse – most of them girls. As a result they die from infectious diseases transmitted through sex eg. HIV/AIDS, or abortions resulting from (unwanted) pregnancies – related causes. A study shows that 1400 die everyday, 99% percent of them developing countries and that in Sub-Sahara Africa, a woman has chances of dying in child birth. In industrialized countries, the risk is in 4,085. Such emergencies as we had in Rwanda during the genocide of 1994, a survey put women at risk of extreme sexual violence and abuse. For example, 2000 women many of whom were survivors of rape, tested positive to HIV infection during the five years following this period. Statistics have it that the rate of infection is higher in girls and women. This threatens to destroy whole communities. In Rivers State of Nigeria, HIV prevalence in Bonny alone as at 5 to 11 % for females as against 4.1 % for males. Poverty/Economic problems – There is discrimination against women at work as a result a large population of women cannot find suitable employments as so depend solely on their husband to provide for basic necessities. Most of these women would suffer as they were at the mercy of their spouses to survive both when there are economic problems and in times of plenty, women suffer. Women are discriminated against at work because of their gender. Though there is no law barring women from particular fields of employment, they are often discriminated against and are adversely affected. There are credible reports that several businesses operate with a “get pregnant, get fired” policy – as we see in some private sectors (bank) where single unmarried ladies are preferred to the married ones. These unmarried ones are then made to endure all forms causes and violations sexually in ‘the hands of their clientele in the employment. As a result the circle of unemployment and poverty continues to make the rounds. Very few women are seen at the helms of affairs and rarely occupy positions of authority. Boma Kingson Enyingwa
Looking good is some women’s business. Looking beautiful for some persons is more important than food. Some prefer to appear trendy instead of attending to household pressure.
Beauty they say is in the eye of the beholder. Every woman by creature is beautiful but some persons feel that the way they were created is not enough. They feel that perhaps the creator should have added more features to their physic.
Artificial beauty did not start today, it has been there as far as man exists. From time to time, there has been one form of additional make-up or the other that women especially, must add to their natural look.
When you look at some of our elders, especially women, you notice certain drills or symbols (tattoo) on their skins, mostly on their hands and legs, in form of designs with dark prints. That is a form of artificial beauty. These days, some young ones still use such to beautify themselves.
It is not only women that are involved in artificial beauty, some young men also have likeness for it. It is common nowadays to see younger male folks spend money to pierce their ears to wear earrings. They also style their hairs in various forms to appear like women so as to look more handsome. This no doubt costs them more money than being in their natural look.
Every generation grows with it’s own new systems, items, styles of artificial beauty. Before now, African women generally and Nigeria in particular had their hair in natural form.
As civilisation and westernisation continued, Nigerian women started copying, for instance, perming of their hair to look like the White women. They started using western-produced chemicals (relaxers) to make their hairs look sleepy and smoother.
Nigerian women used to plate their hair with black thread or go with their hair well cut at low level. In terms of weaving, it was without attachment. The issue of women weaving hair with attachment came with civilisation. That is also a form of make-up.
The quest for extra beauty aside the way women were created has been from one generation to another.
Two or three decades ago, ladies used mascaras to darken and thicken their eyelashes. But in this 21st century, another system has evolved. Fixing of artificial eyelashes has become the order of the day.
In that case, it becomes difficult for them to scratch their eyes Incase of any itches. Some of their eyes turn reddish because of the touch.
There was a lady who was fixing her eyelashes in a salon, unfortunately, she got a phone call that her mother was late, as she started crying, it was difficult for her to clean the tears that were flowing down her cheeks.
The reason was for fear of the eye lashes falling off while cleaning the tears off her eyes.
One funny thing about fixing of artificial eyelashes is that some persons cannot close their eyes properly. The beauty they have in mind before fixing is not really achieved as their look become something anybody cannot behold. Both the shape of their eyes and facial outlook automatically change. One begins to wonder if that is the beauty they are looking for. Instead of looking beautiful, the reverse becomes the case.
As years go by, artificial beauty becomes more sophisticated in the society. The price and cost for looking more beautiful than women were created naturally becomes higher than their natural look.
The cosmetic industry becomes one of the most viable industries worldwide because some women desire artificial beauty. Some engage in cosmetic surgery to alter any part of their body which does not give them pleasure especially the fatty parts. Some go for surgery to make their slacked breasts to return to their original shapes as well as those with big tummies.
It is interesting to note that currently, Nigerian ladies have started to give preference to their natural hair and this is attracting a lot of admiration for them. Many prefer that natural look with low cuts. With that, the cost of maintaining the hair by ladies is reduced.
I think this is commendable as it will save the women from the negative effect of chemical used in manufacturing hair relaxers.
It is also common to see ladies on low cut hairs that are either light complexion, red and other funny colours.
People have been addicted to artificial beauty to the extent that they insert certain substances into their bodies to make them become more robust and attractive to their admirers.
I don’t understand why we should be crazy about adding more to our natural look. Every woman wants to look attractive in a packaged manner without recognising the implications of artificial beauty and make-up.
In fact, women’s quest for beauty has taken different dimension as they tend to appear trendy at home, in offices and as they go about their businesses. That is just to feel belonged and achieve self-esteem.
I recall a few years back, my pastor who trained as an Engineer advised women against the use of lipstick. He said that one of the chemical components of lipstick is lead and that it is dangerous to humans. Many women may not understand the reality of what he said until it manifests.
I think those who are naturally beautiful should not go for artificial make-ups. They should be satisfied with the work of their creator. Women should not continue to paint their faces to look like masquerades and should not lose value due to artificial beauty.
It may interest you to know that persons who apply make-ups excessively are mocked instead of being admired. Make-ups can be applied lightly.
Fixing of nails is another business. After fixing nails, some women find it difficult to perform house cores. Washing their personal belongings becomes a problem. The artificial nails become so long and sophisticated to the extent that the bearer cannot handle objects properly. Those in that habit also find it difficult to eat food with the fingers.
There are people who feel they should have been born in certain colour but when the reverse is the case, they seek artificial make-up. Use of skin-toning cream and soap becomes the option for artificial beauty. This happens to the extent that the users start having dark spots on the skin. Blisters occur on their faces and legs.
Unfortunately, this is an era when there are different kinds of cancer affecting women especially. It becomes difficult to identify the kind of make-up that can be cancerous.
It is high time people had stopped following trend to the detriment of their health.
Ladies should not present themselves as laughing stock with unnecessary make-up as they can still be cherished in their natural outlook.
Eunice Choko – Kayode
Yearly, the girls are celebrated not just because they are girls, but because of their importance to families, society and the nation at large.
You will agree that when the girl-child comes into a family first, that family is blessed. The assistance she renders to the family can not be compared to that of the opposite sex.
The job she does in the home cuts across many duties. In the home, she takes care of her younger ones. She assists her mother in carrying out house chores. After her educational career and she obtains a job, she caters for her family even as she is married out. She takes care of her aged parents in her matrimonial home.
This same girl-child when given the right training and opportunities, will also train her offspring. Thus, “train a woman and you train a nation”. When women are at the helms of affairs, things are done better.
Celebrating the girl-child yearly is a call to parents, families, faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, governments at all levels, and all relevant organisations that have one or two things to do with the girls to continue to put in place policies that will enhance their well-being.
On a daily basis, the girl-child faces more challenges. Sometimes, she finds it difficult to resist dangers. The issue of rape, violence of any form, sexual harassment, intimidation, discrimination in families about who should go to school or not.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State chapter, called on the government, the state and local assembly to enact laws that criminalise any act capable of impeding the education of the girl-child.
The association made the call as it joined the world to commemorate the International Day of the Girl-Child, in Port Harcourt, Friday.
NAWOJ also appealed to ministry of education and other relevant authorities to prevail against hawking during school hours, as well as call for an end to early girl-child marriage.
The state chairperson of the association, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, who spoke in an interview with the press said: “We are calling on the Rivers State government, the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Local Assembly to enact laws that criminalise any act capable of impeding on the education of the girl child.
“We also want the government to throw her weight against any girl-child found hawking on the streets during school hours as this will serve as deterrent to any parent or ward that is nursing such idea.
“There is need for every girl-child to be properly educated as this impact generally on the society positively.”
Speaking on the 2024 theme which is, “Girls’ Vision For The Future”, NAWOJ chair stressed the need for parents to prioritise the education of their daughters.
She explained that quality education was key to an assured future for every girl-child, stressing that education unlocks doors of possibilities and the I-can spirit.
Her words: “Remember, you put an end to blind submission when you train the girl-child. Today, many girl-children have been abandoned and are left to pass through harrowing conditions that they never dreamt of due to lack of education.
“Do you know that the girl child suffer most as she is confronted with lots of challenges from the day she was born into a home; siblings rivalry on who should go to school and who should not, a decision that most parents take that negatively impedes on the girl-child and to the day she steps into her husband’s house, especially with a wicked mother-in-law or father-in-law.”
She noted that only those female children privileged to acquire quality education can surmount the challenges that confront them on their way to greatness.
“As we all know that the role of every woman in the society cannot be over-emphasised as such without education given to the gild-child, the society will raise dysfunctional women, who are abused, used and abandoned”, she emphasised.
The NAWOJ chair insisted: “When the girl-child is exposed to education, you have given her opportunity to endless possibilities, thereby putting an end to subjugation and blind subservient”.
As Rivers State joins the rest of the world to mark the 2024 International Day of the Girl-Child, a non-profit organisation, Multi Stakeholders Committee for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in Rivers State has called for policies to protect the girl- child against gender-based violence.
It also urged for massive investment in the development of the girl-child.
The group said this in a statement to mark the day.
According to the statement signed by the coordinator of the group, who is also the Head of the Public Defender, Rivers State, Evelyn Membere Asimiea, time has come for the society to stand together and ensure that no girl is left behind.
She also said the celebration which has as its theme, “Girls, Vision For The Future”, is a call to action not just to acknowledge the challenges girls face but to actively empower them.
According to the statement, as we join the global community to celebrate the International Day of the Girl-Child, we are reminded of the powerful potential of every girl and the urgent need to invest in their rights. This year’s theme, “Girls: Vision For The Future,” calls us to action not just to acknowledge the challenges girls face but to actively empower them as leaders of tomorrow.
Mrs Asimiea said time has come for stakeholders including government, civil society organisations, families and individuals to stand together and ensure that no girl is left behind.
“As Coordinator of the Multi-Stakeholders Committee for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence and Head of the Office of the Public Defender, Rivers State, I wish to highlight that our girls are at the heart of building strong, safe, and prosperous communities. Yet, they are often the most vulnerable to violence, discrimination, and neglect. It is time for all of us—government, civil society, families, and individuals—to stand together and ensure that no girl is left behind”, the statement said.
She also called for massive investment in the girl- child, adding: “Investing in girls means ensuring they have access to quality education, healthcare, and equal opportunities.
“It means protecting them from all forms of gender-based violence (GBV), child marriage, and harmful traditional practices.
“When we invest in the safety, education, and empowerment of girls, we are investing in the future of our state and nation.”
It reiterated its commitment to continue to advocate for the right of the girl child, stressing that the group is working tirelessly to advocate for the rights of girls and the women.
“We are working tirelessly to advocate for the rights of girls and women, providing legal support to survivors of GBV, and pushing for stronger policies to prevent violence and protect their futures.
“But we cannot do it alone. We need every family, every community leader, and every citizen to take responsibility for the well-being of our girls.
“On this day, I urge you all to commit to creating a world where every girl feels safe, valued, and empowered to lead. Together, we can build a Rivers State where girls’ rights are protected, and their leadership flourishes, for the future of all of us”, the coordinator said.
As we mark this year’s girl-child day, women groups all over the world should as a matter of fact, continue to create awareness on the need to develop them in the right way so that they can showcase their potentials.
Eunice Choko-Kayode