Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a prevalent issue in Nigeria, with domestic violence often at the forefront, where men are primarily identified as perpetrators inflicting physical harm upon their wives.
Despite ongoing efforts to eradicate harmful practices and promote gender equality, pockets of GBV and many other repressive practices against women persist in certain Nigerian communities.
According to the United Nations,domestic abuse encompasses various forms of behavior within intimate relationships aimed at exerting power and control over a partner, including physical, sexual, emotional, economic, and psychological abuse.
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that intimate partner violence accounts for a significant portion of violence against women globally, with nearly one-third of women aged 15-49 reporting experiences of physical and/or sexual violence by their partners.
WHO describes violence against women and girls as a widespread pandemic affecting one in three women worldwide throughout their lifetimes.
In response to these alarming statistics, ActionAid Nigeria, a global organization dedicated to human rights and poverty alleviation, emphasized the moral and ethical imperative of ending the cycle of violence against women during its recent Local Rights Programme held in the Pashi Community of Badagry West Local Government Area in Lagos State.
The program, situated in a community where essential services like primary education and healthcare are distant, focused on comprehensive approaches to combating GBV, spanning prevention, intervention, and support for survivors.
During interactive sessions, some men voiced outdated beliefs, questioning why they shouldn’t resort to violence when their wives err.
“If my wife does something wrong, why can’t I beat her?”
In response, ActionAid Nigeria reiterated that violence against women constitutes a fundamental violation of human rights and dignity, perpetuating inequality and undermining principles of respect and equality.
Men were reminded that assaulting their wives equates to attacking the very essence of family, as wives are not only partners but also mothers to their children. Such behavior not only perpetuates a cycle of violence but also contradicts the values of a just and equitable society.
