In the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria, the involvement of men, particularly young men, is crucial, according to Olufunlayo Bammeke, a Professor of Sociology and former dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lagos.
In her 15th inaugural lecture under the 2021/2022 academic session, Bammeke urged the federal government to review existing laws on SGBV, strengthen them, and ensure that all states domesticate them for effective implementation.
Bammeke stressed that while all stakeholders should join hands in the collective fight against domestic and gender-based violence, the inclusion of men would make the battle more successful.
She explained that gender-based violence, including rape and sexual assault, is not only committed against women and girls but also against men and boys.
Bammeke emphasized that any form of violence, whether in private or public, is unacceptable to the law and must be tackled.
Bammeke noted that gender-based violence is a public health and human rights issue, most of which are perpetrated by men against women and girls.
The consequences of GBV go beyond the survivors as families and society at large are also affected. It obstructs the development efforts of survivors by hindering their full potential and contributions to society, she added.
Bammeke called on both men and women to speak out if they have suffered any form of abuse. Speaking out will not only get them help and justice, but their abusers will also face sanctions according to the dictates of the law.
She also praised the Lagos State government for establishing agencies that address domestic and gender-based violence issues and creating an enabling environment for non-state actors to work in collaboration to fight the menace.
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