The United Nations General Assembly designated November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in honor of the sacrifice of the Mirabal Sisters.
These brave women were assassinated in 1960 for their activism against oppression and their relentless pursuit of women’s rights in the Dominican Republic.
This day serves as a global call to action against violence and a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect women and girls from abuse.
Measures to Combat Violence Against Women
As human rights advocates, we believe several critical strategies can be employed to effectively eliminate violence against women:
1. Community Education: Raising awareness about women’s rights, as enshrined in Articles 1, 3, and 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), ensures respect for the dignity and freedom of every individual.
2. Legislation and Enforcement: Governments must enact and strictly enforce laws that protect women from all forms of violence, as emphasized in Articles 7 and 8 of the UDHR.
3. Support Systems and Rehabilitation Programs: Establishing shelters and providing psychological and legal support for survivors will help them reintegrate into society.
4. Engagement with Religious and Cultural Leaders: Utilizing their influence can promote cultural and behavioral changes toward eliminating discrimination and violence against women.
Data on Cases of Violence Against Women
From January 2024 to November 25th, 2024, our organization has documented 812 reported cases of violence against women across Nigeria. These cases include sexual assault, threats within marriages, and workplace harassment. Alarmingly, a significant proportion of these cases have occurred in areas where women have limited access to education and legal protection.
Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as References
We urge everyone to consider and uphold the following articles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
Article 3: Guarantees the right to life, liberty, and personal security.
Article 5: Prohibits torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
Article 16: Protects the right to marry freely and ensures equal protection within marriage.
Article 19: Ensures freedom of opinion and expression without interference.
Call to Action
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is a solemn reminder of the urgency to address this pervasive issue. We call on:
Governments: To strengthen legal frameworks and ensure enforcement.
Organizations: To amplify advocacy efforts and support survivors.
Communities: To reject harmful practices and foster a culture of respect and equality.
This day is not just a commemoration but a rallying cry for collective action. Together, we can create a peaceful and equitable society where every woman lives free from violence and fear.
Signed:
Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu
Director-General, IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter
