By Queen Kunde
In commemoration of this year’s International Human Rights Day, the President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), Hon. Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, issued a powerful call to action to address gender-based violence against women in Nigeria’s political sphere. With this year’s theme, “She Leads: Stop Gender-Based Violence Against Women in the Political Space,” the NILOWV President emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to ensure women’s safety and equality in politics.
In her statement, Mrs. Awunah-Ikyegh highlighted the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence faced by women in politics, referencing a National Democratic Institute report that revealed 70% of Nigerian women politicians have experienced harassment or violence. She further cited statistics from the Nigerian National Human Rights Commission, which found that 43% of women in the country had faced physical or sexual violence as of 2020, underscoring the global issue with the World Health Organization’s estimation that one in three women worldwide experience violence in their lifetime.
“Violence against women is a mark of shame on all our societies,” she quoted UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stressing that this societal ill hampers democracy and governance in Nigeria.
The NILOWV President applauded the resilience and courage of Nigerian women who, despite these challenges, continue to rise and assert their rights in the political arena. She reiterated NILOWV’s commitment to empowering women and fostering an inclusive environment that enables them to lead without fear of violence, harassment, or discrimination.
Mrs. Awunah-Ikyegh called for a united front involving governments, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, legislators, and the private sector to challenge discriminatory practices and promote gender equality. “We must prioritize the safety and security of women in politics. We must create an environment that is conducive to their participation, free from violence, harassment, and intimidation,” she stated.
Reflecting on the broader theme of this year’s Human Rights Day, “Equality, Dignity, and Justice for All,” Mrs. Awunah-Ikyegh urged all stakeholders to renew their commitment to these values. She emphasized that achieving them requires breaking down barriers and ensuring that women and girls are protected and empowered to contribute meaningfully to society.
Quoting Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, she concluded, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” She encouraged collective action to build a just, equitable, and violence-free society for women and girls in Nigeria.
Through her statement, the NILOWV President reaffirmed the organization’s mission to promote women’s economic and political empowerment, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected in every facet of society.
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