Amidst efforts to build solidarity for gender justice in Nigeria, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has declared its intention to eliminate all forms of violence against women.
WARDC’s Executive Director, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi disclosed this at an event it tagged: #IamGenerationEquality: Realising Women’s Rights to mark the 2020 International Women’s Day.
Executive Director, WARDC
In her speech, Dr Akiyode-Afolabi noted that women had suffered discrimination and marginalisation in the society and to help curb the menace, “WARDC is implementing the Spotlight Initiative Project in Lagos state.
The Spotlight Initiative aims at bringing the issues of Sex and Gender-based violence, harmful practices against women, as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights to the fore in a bid to eliminate all forms of violence against Women and Girls. WARDC will be implementing Pillar Six of the Spotlight Initiative project, which seeks to strengthen capacities and support CSOs and women movements on Sustainable Development Goals and target Sex and Gender-based violence, harmful practices against women, as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights in Lagos state.”
In attendance were women from marginalised groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders who gathered to join forces and discuss strategies and address challenges and mobilise voices against Violence Against Women and Girls in Lagos state.
In a panel session, chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Lagos Council, Comrade Agnes Funmi Sessi identified some of the reasons for violence against women as ignorance of human rights and the poor socialisation process in the society. “The discrimination against women is disturbing, in some workplaces, certain positions are reserved for men only, even in some churches, women are not allowed to speak, they have to express their thoughts through their husbands.”
“Women and girls should be sensitised about their rights. Boys and girls also need to be trained to carry out chores, there should be no segregation between boys and girls when it comes to doing home chores. More importantly, women should be given the opportunity to participate in politics as they can effect the changes that society is yearning for.”
The Spotlight Initiative is supported by the European Union and UN Women.
