Until Many Are Jailed, Violence Against Women Won't Stop

Minister of state for labour and employment, Hon Nkiruka Onyejeocha, has said until more people are jailed on a daily basis, violence against women would not stop.

She said most violent cases against women end outside the court, adding that religion and ethnic beliefs were complicating the situation.

Speaking at the United Nations (UN) House in Abuja, during the unveiling of a gender-based violence (GBV) film trailer, “Deepening Silence”, the minister said people are not speaking out because of customs and religion.

“Until people begin to go to jail, violence against women won’t stop,” she said, adding that violence against women culprits always buy the parents.

“People are buying parents. The UNDP must get lawyers and take the perpetrators to court and jail them.

Nigerian actress, Kate Henshaw, said the perpetrators of sexual violence should be punished.

According to her, Nigeria should ensure zero-tolerance of the vice.

The deputy resident representative of UNDP, Blessed Chimrimuta, said they want to leverage the art of storytelling in gender violence issues in Nigeria.

“It’s a five-year TV series which will continue the narrative in challenging the gender norms, women participation in politics and gathering,” Chimrimuta said of the programme, adding that they are committed to gender equality.

On his part, the director-general (DG) of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Egwegwu, said the broadcast media is a good platform to drive the idea, adding that it shapes narratives.