This article delves into women rights, with a focus on Nigeria, where such rights face unique challenges. As we navigate the complex world of women rights, we'll discover not only the adversities but also the potential for transformation.
by Laura Idahosa
Women rights are not just a matter of gender; they are fundamental human rights, as declared by the United Nations and applicable to every individual across the globe. These rights encompass the freedom from violence, slavery, discrimination, access to education, property ownership, political participation, healthcare, dignity, and equal wages. However, despite the universality of these rights, women continue to be denied them due to entrenched gender biases.
Women Rights Denied
Violations of women rights take many forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault, early and forced marriage, sex trafficking, female genital mutilation, physical violence, emotional and mental abuse, acid attacks, and even death. These violations are deeply rooted in the gender inequalities women face from childhood through to old age.
In recent times, Nigeria has seen a surge in cases of violence against women, such as sexual harassment, human trafficking, early marriage, rape, physical assault, and female genital mutilation. These incidents are on the rise and are becoming epidemics within Nigerian society. In some cultures, women are perceived as the property of their husbands, perpetuating this cycle of violence.
UN Report on Women Rights Violations A 2020 report on violence against women in Nigeria revealed that most women are subjected to psychological and physical abuse and are often prevented by their spouses from working. This control deprives them of the means to provide for necessities like children's school fees, healthcare, and even food. Preventing women from working and earning income is a strategy to keep them financially dependent, docile, and afraid to leave.
Impact
Violence against women not only devastates the lives of women but also fractures communities, hinders development efforts, and obstructs the creation of just and peaceful societies. Women are recognized as nation builders, and violence against them acts as a roadblock to overall progress.
The impact of violence against women is both dehumanizing and economically debilitating. Violence traps women in a cycle of poverty, which, in turn, leaves them vulnerable to further violence and with limited options when violence does occur.
Different Ways Women Rights are Denied
Violations of women's human rights take many forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault, early and forced marriage, sex trafficking, female genital mutilation, physical violence, emotional and mental abuse, acid attacks, and even death. These violations are deeply rooted in the gender inequalities women face from childhood through to old age. In recent times, Nigeria has seen a surge in cases of violence against women, such as sexual harassment, human trafficking, early marriage, rape, physical assault, and female genital mutilation. These incidents are on the rise and are becoming epidemics within Nigerian society. In some cultures, women are perceived as the property of their husbands, perpetuating this cycle of violence.
UN report on Women Rights in Nigeria
A 2020 report on violence against women in Nigeria revealed that most women are subjected to psychological and physical abuse and are often prevented by their spouses from working. This control deprives them of the means to provide for necessities like children's school fees, healthcare, and even food. Preventing women from working and earning income is a strategy to keep them financially dependent, docile, and afraid to leave.
Violence against women not only devastates the lives of women but also fractures communities, hinders development efforts, and obstructs the creation of just and peaceful societies. Women are recognized as nation builders, and violence against them acts as a roadblock to overall progress.
Impact
The impact of violence against women is both dehumanizing and economically debilitating. Violence traps women in a cycle of poverty, which, in turn, leaves them vulnerable to further violence and with limited options when violence does occur.
What Can be Done to Help
Being a woman does not diminish one's humanity, and it's high time this vicious cycle of violence is broken. To combat this epidemic and address its roots in poverty, we propose the initiation of a Women Empowerment Fund Program.
This program should allocate funds based on the specific needs of women, fostering economic growth, creating business opportunities, supporting existing businesses, and enhancing trade. Empowering economically disadvantaged women will enable them to become financially independent, pursue self-awareness and self-development through education, and contribute significantly to the economy. Ultimately, this initiative aims to break the cycle of abuse in our society, recognizing that empowering women is the key to achieving equality and justice.