Nigeria’s Battle Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Calls for New Legislation to Hold Offenders Accountable

JOS, Plateau State, Nigeria – Despite Nigeria’s commitment to numerous international treaties targeting sexual and gender-based violence against women, the problem persists. In response, advocates are calling for new legislation to hold offenders accountable.

In a country where sexual assault survivors face staggering challenges, some brave individuals agreed to share their experiences, allowing us to use their full names in this report.

Nigeria’s status as a signatory to international agreements to combat sexual and gender-based violence is intended to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of women. However, the prevalence of such crimes remains a harrowing reality.

With this in mind, activists and survivors are demanding tangible change. They assert that new laws are vital to enforce accountability and confront the pervasive culture of impunity surrounding sexual offenses in Nigeria.

While Nigeria has made some progress in addressing violence against women through existing laws, the campaigners argue that these measures are not sufficient. They call for comprehensive legislation specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by survivors and to ensure that offenders are promptly and effectively prosecuted.

Sexual assault survivors in Nigeria often face societal stigma and discrimination, which only adds to their suffering and discourages them from reporting the crimes. By shedding light on their stories, these courageous individuals hope to break the silence and foster a society where survivors are supported and their perpetrators are brought to justice.

The urgent need for new laws to combat sexual and gender-based violence against women in Nigeria cannot be overstated. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that includes legal reforms, sensitization campaigns, and support services for survivors.

In Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, survivors are speaking out and demanding action. Their bravery serves as a catalyst for change, propelling the conversation surrounding sexual violence into the spotlight. It is essential that their voices are heard, and that their demands for justice and accountability are met.

In conclusion, despite Nigeria’s commitment to international treaties aimed at combating sexual and gender-based violence against women, the problem continues to persist. Survivors and activists are now calling for new legislation to address these issues and hold offenders accountable. The urgent need for comprehensive laws tailored to the unique challenges faced by survivors is evident. It is crucial that their voices are amplified, and their demands for justice are met.