1 in 4 Nigerian men justifies violence against women

Did you know that some men in Nigeria consider violence against women appropriate if the violated woman, for instance, burns his food, argues with him, neglects the children, refuses sexual relations or goes out without telling him?

According to the 2015 Africa scorecard on violence against women and girls – highlighting male and female attitudes to gender based violence, 25 per cent of Nigerian men believe women should be hit if she does one of the above.

The scorecard was released by Africa health, human and social development information service (Afri-Dev. Info) and Africa coalition on maternal newborn & child health.

“Violence against girls and women – the most stark, blatant, brutal, unambiguous and disempowering manifestation of gender inequality – has not been eradicated in Africa – but rather is currently at epidemic proportions, is institutionalised, and profoundly entrenched,” the report read.

The researchers say it is deeply worrying that current data shows violence against women and girls in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, is now “as deeply ingrained amongst African adolescent boys, as it is in adult men” with 25 per cent of Nigerian men and up to 70 per cent of men in countries like Central African Republic justifying violence against women.

What was more shocking, however, is that more women justified violence against themselves reflecting a negative socialisation and orientation to accept violence as okay.

The researchers say to stop gender based violence, governments must ensure “human rights and gender equality awareness / education – for boys and men – through schools, national and local governments, workplace and community; private sector Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes on same; and mass media.”

“All serving law enforcement officers) law enforcement training / education and reform on gender equality and women’s rights – Institutionalising same in curriculum of all law enforcement training institutions; establishment of specialised gender based violence units with minimum 50% female composition; and overall recruitment of more women officers and leadership reflective of population balance”.

The researchers also say the armed forces need “urgent gender equality, and women’s human rights education for armed forces, to eradicate official military gender based violence in conflict, especially sexual violence”.

Lastly, Afri-Dev says a “comprehensive measurable constitutional, citizenship, legislative and justice sector review – aimed at eliminating all enshrined forms of institutionalised discrimination against girls and women” and eliminating negative stereotypes that justify gender based violence and discrimination”.