Addressing gender-based violence

The European Institute for Gender Equality defines gender inequality as a legal, social and cultural situation in which sex or gender determines different rights and dignity for women and men. It is reflected in the unequal access to or enjoyment of rights, as well as an assumption of stereotyped social and cultural roles. The GBV is one of the most severe forms of gender inequality, posing a fundamental barrier to the equal participation of women in social, economic and political spheres (World Bank, 2009).

There are cross-continental agreements among experts and researchers on a strong relationship between the GBV and gender inequality. In recent times, we have witnessed a tremendous rise in cases of the GBV across the states in Nigeria while gender inequality remains unaddressed. If socio-cultural norms are skewed against the women and girls at the level of family, communities, and the nation, such can affect the knowledge, attitude and behaviour towards women and girls. The resultant effect of such inequality against women will cause dislocation in terms of education, economy and politics. While government at all tiers and other NGOs are struggling to overcome the GBV in our society but practical and tangible steps are little on the ground to change behaviour and attitude towards gender inequality at the grassroots level

Therefore, to win the war on gender-based violence, we must have pragmatic steps that involve community-based and faith-based organisations that address gender inequality.

Dr Tijani Salami,

Founder, Sisters Caregivers Project Initiative

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