A recent comprehensive survey focusing on sexual violence against women has revealed a distressing rise in incidents within various Nigerian communities.
The survey, conducted across three Nigerian states—Enugu, Nasarawa, and Kaduna—has shown that nearly 49 percent of women and girls under the age of 40 have experienced some form of sexual abuse.
Named “Kasa,” which means “voices” in the local language, this survey aimed to amplify the stories of those affected by violence, thereby catalyzing actions against this issue. The findings also brought to light that approximately 80 percent of women aged 60 and above have faced sexual violence at some point in their lives.
Presenting the survey’s findings during a virtual press conference, Christy Asala, the technical expert, stressed that this research offered a platform to hear from women of diverse backgrounds, capturing their encounters with sexual violence.
From the African Women Development Fund (AWDF), Asala expressed deep worry regarding the collected data, underscoring that many women living through violence might not even realize their predicament.
“The data from the survey is concerning due to its significant numbers. Respondents shared their painful experiences of sexual abuse during the listening sessions,” she conveyed.
Funded by the African Women Development Fund, the survey showcased that women and girls primarily demand immediate preventive and corrective actions to protect females from such violence. The surveyed individuals also called for stringent penalties for those responsible for sexual violence and urged law enforcement agencies to ensure justice.
Meanwhile, Charles Jang, a Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Officer at Cognito who participated in the survey, pointed out the challenges young females face when reporting incidents of sexual violence.
“Breaking the culture of silence is a struggle for many, and even when they do report, the procedures often fall short. The Ministry of Justice or law enforcement officers sometimes fail to follow through,” he noted.
Onyinye Mamah, coordinator of the survey in Enugu State, emphasized the need for enhanced mechanisms to eliminate gender violence across Nigeria, especially in Enugu. Mamah, who heads the Heroin Women Foundation in the state, called for robust reporting systems as cases frequently go unnoticed, leaving victims without recourse.
“While reporting to the Ministry of Justice, the Police, or other agencies, the seriousness isn’t always taken as it should be, unlike NGOs. NGOs can provide limited rehabilitation but lack the authority to punish offenders,” she highlighted.
The survey, carried out by the White Ribbon Alliance of Kenya in Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, sheds light on a pressing issue that demands collective efforts for effective resolution.
