Incidences of rape in Nigeria have shot up from 12.5 per cent to 84 per cent. This startling revealing was made on Thursday, in Ibadan, by Dr (Mrs) Omolara Smith, President, Zonta Club II, Ibadan. While lamenting the increasing wave of violence against women, she called on the government to enact appropriate laws to serve as deterrence to culprits.
Smith, who was addressing journalists on activities organised by Zonta Club to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence, said, “violence against women and children in Nigeria has challenged us to act in solidarity to promote and end violence against women and girls. Over the years, cases of rape and other violence against women have been on the increase. It is our view that this can only be reduced or eradicated with proper legislation and stiff penalty.”
The Zonta president revealed that the activities earmarked by the organisation to sensitise members of the public against victimising women and girls, would span 16 days.
Smith, who disclosed that the global theme of the international day was “From peace in the home to peace in the world,” added that violence against women was act that should be frowned at by members of society.
According to her, “Violence can lead to extreme physical, mental and psychological condition or even death, it can take place domestically, in the public or as part of community conflicts.”
While advising women and girls to be wary of the company they kept, Smith said, “Women are more likely to be victimised by someone they are intimate with.”
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