The Women Rights Coalition Organisation in Nigeria have called on the Federal Government to safeguard the livelihoods and prioritise the protection of citizens particularly women and vulnerable groups.
Speaking at a press conference on Gender and Insecurity in Nigeria, the coalition of over 60 Women Rights Organisations in the country expressed deep concern over the security situation due to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, gender based violence, displacement and communal conflicts.
The President of the Women in Politics Forum, Ebere Ifendu said the incessant insecurity needs to be addressed urgently.
“These crisis continue to affect women and girls, exposing them to heightened risks of conflict related violence, loss of livelihoods, limited access to health care, education disruption, sexual exploitation and long term psychological trauma” she said.
She further reiterated that “insecurity has become the daily reality of Nigerian citizens and it continues to deepen poverty, and threaten the survival of our nationhood and democracy”.
Support Services for Survivors of Violence
The Executive Director, Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative Nigeria, Patience Ogolo Dickson said persons with disability suffer the adverse effects of insecurity.
“We have seen women with disability being left behind by their families because of insecurity and most of the time they are left dead because there is no one to protect them.Those who survive often migrate from place to place. We are greatly affected by this menace hence this call to action.”
Recounting the experience of her community in Benue state central Nigeria, the President of the league of Women Voters of Nigeria, Irene Awunah Ikyegh said insurgency has had devastating effects on women and girls.
The President of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria called for religious tolerance as a means to curb insecurity.
“No one has the right to take the life of anyone. Living together is key to peace and progress. As a faith based organisation, we call on government to take action.”
The group called on the Federal and state government to invest in community based protection systems and support psycho-social and economic support services for survivors of violence.
The Coalition of Women Rights Organisation is a network of 36 groups working across Nigeria to promote gender equality, protect the rights of women and girls through advocacy, community engagement, capacity strenthening and policy influence.