Unarguably, violence against women still pervades despite several protocols and treaties on women as well as efforts by Government and Non Governmental Organisations as well as faith Based Organizations towards stemming the tide.
Violence Against Women refers to those acts/practices and conduct which tends to inflict pains or torture directly or indirectly to the female gender. These conducts often times, causes emotional trauma and challenges which may not be healthier for women to thrive.
At Work places, women are made to pass through some conditions which affect their emotions as well as threatening their cognitive, affective and psychomotor abilities; ranging from sexual harassment, threat and intimidation aimed at subjugating them or make them succumb to whims and caprices of negative tendencies of their principal in order to continually be in their so called good books or to benefit from occupational favours.
The Story is always regrettable should their be any answers or response from the woman suggesting negativity to request. A lot of women have had several injuries and ill treatments from husband’s and husband’s relations in case of the death of husband amongst other harmful practices against women just to mention but a few. Many women are maltreated and punished with no resistance despite our level of civilization. Women in conflict areas face untold hardships and sexual exploitations amongst others.
From the foregoing, there is need for shaping of public awareness and policy related to Violence Against Women. Shaping of public awareness and policy related to violence against violence against women will help in addressing issues around these malady and put everybody on the same knowledge especially on its dangers and consequences.
Care must be taken for mental and emotional well being of our women to enable them exercise their impact positively on the society.
There are several Mechanism put in place to achieve gender equality of the sustainable development goals Agenda. In the same vein, there is also women’s Right Convention of 1979 amongst others. It is understandable to note that some people are not yet aware of the fact on the existence of relevant laws, protocols and chatters promoting women rights and equality in every area of life, politics, the family education, jobs, religion, morals, amongst others.
One thing that you cannot easily forget is that women have potentials capable of turning the tides of socio economic as well as political ventures for improved and functional community but yet not too many considerations on further discovery of this talent and skills from women.
This Negative attitude on women has created a platform for loss of confidence by women.
Government should as matter of urgency come up with strong policies and laws which is aimed at protecting women against any forms of violence.
Government at all levels must ensure that there is enabling protocols and framework to mitigate the committing of these vices against the woman. The Fact is that women have got some potentials in them and if appropriately harnessed, the society will be sharpened for a functional community.
The media needs to rise up to this with their educational functions and responsibility and to help to Strengthen accountability on issues around committing of violence against women.
Strengthening the process and ensuring that anyone found culpable on violence against women be made to face the full wrath of the law. It is also relevant that our community leaders, religious bodies and every areas must be made to be on same page on rights and equality of women in our society.
The Judiciary should also review some legal framework to accommodate and protect women from further violence against them and give them the platform to showcase the huge potentials in them.
Strong policies protecting them from various violence and molestation will make them contribute their quota in societal growth and development as well as protecting them from those harmful act that will affect their sensibility and consciousness.
Women should not be looked at as not having anything to contribute in the development of the society. Gender mainstreaming must be made the watchword in all that we do and there should be curriculum in the secondary school and of course, our university dwelling on women and Gender studies especially in our universities to help deepen the Knowledge of right and equality of women in every area of women endeavour.
Most women have proven their mettle and their potentials just like their male counterpart but many more chances need to be given to them considering the turn around that they can do to effect social changes in our communities. Women’s right Convention of 18th December, 1979 emphasizing on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and other protocols dwelling on violence against women are relevant if we must quickly bring changes to our environment.
We must stop any form of violence against women and utilize heavily their potentials .No man can work with one leg effectively but with two legs, we can make a greater society when we understand this huge point that the women are great with potentials. We must stop all forms of Trafficking and violence against women.
Violence Against Women must be addressed using 4 Ps which stands for Prevention; which has to do with raising of awareness, professional development, addressing vulnerabilities and hotlines for victims.
Protection; which is about victim centered identification, comprehensive services, funding for services, removal of illegal barriers.
Prosecution; which is about dwelling on creation of adequate criminal laws, vigorous investigations and diligent prosecutions.
Partnership; that’s dwelling on Multi disciplinary, cross sector networks, coalitions and task offices, diversity and inclusion and survivor leadership .
The Quest for sustained campaign on violence against women has triggered an activity from the police Campaign Against Cultism And Other Vices (POCACOV) tagged #whereourwomen. This will also serve as platform for raising of awareness on the potentials in women and violence against them.
The campaign on violence against women need to be sustained through the partnership and participation of all and sundry in order to stem the negative tide and for a functional community .
Written by CSP Ebere Amaraizu; the National Coordinator Police Campaign Against Cultism And Other Vices (POCACOV), Trainer on PREVENT SOC Policing and Exchange Alumni of American Councils For International Education —IVLP
