TUC Women advocate legal reforms to stop Gender Based Violence
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) Women Commission has collaborated with a Non- Governmental Organization, Solidarity Centre, to commemorate the 2023 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence and Harassment in Abuja.
The commemoration commenced with a symposium, organized to advocate legal reforms and enforcement of relevant laws and policies to stop gender-based violence and harassment.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Invest to End Violence and Harassment Against Women and Girls’, the Chairperson, TUC National Women Commission, Comrade Hafsat Shuaibu, said the programme was aimed at addressing critical issues faced by women all around the world, with a focus on eliminating violence and harassment on all women.
According to her, the endorsement of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work (C190) presents a critical opportunity to reform laws and policies in Nigeria to address gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) and other forms of violence and abuse.
“We have very good laws, but we want more. We are calling for the full implementation of the C190. That way, it covers everybody and every woman; in the private sector, public sector, the formal and informal sector, the rural and urban areas. People from all sectors are represented here. The next fifteen (15) days is dedicated to speaking out against any form of gender or sexual violence and harassments. There must be a safe world for women, girls and of course boys; because boys get violated too.”
Giving the opening remarks, Country Program Director- West Africa, Solidarity Centre, Sonny Ogbuehi, who was represented by Gender Specialist, and Programme Coordinator of the Solidarity Centre, Janet Ifunanya Anaele; said that by amplifying women’s voices, eliminating violence and fostering inclusivity, women and girls will be liberated from all forms of gender based violence.
Also adding, she said including persons with disabilities in this cause will ensure inclusiveness and sensitization on the length which abusers can go and will help ensure that victims speak out so that their voices are heard.
“This year’s campaign central theme “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women now”, resonates deeply with our commitment to effective, positive change. The orange colour that we all wear, symbolizes a brighter future, free from the shadows casted by violence and harassment.”
Giving his keynote address, Gender Specialist and Activist, Zubairu J. Attah, emphasized on the need for stakeholders to create innovative solutions towards addressing Gender Based Violence and Harassment.
Also recounting his personal experience of abuse, he stated that speaking out and forgiveness is a very important component of healing.
Speaking to journalist at the event, the TUC Vice chairperson, Comrade Hasiya Hassan Audu, said that harassment and gender based violence is not just sexual abuse, but cuts across a whole lot of other violations, abuses and harassments.
According to her, “because women are more vulnerable, we get more violated and so the TUC has taken up this fight. The TUC Women Commission believes so much in this cause and I thank the Solidarity Centre for believing and collaborating with the Women Commission. We must provide a shoulder for survivors, stop stigmatization and make sure the perpetrators are punished.”
Also giving her remark, the TUC FCT chairperson, Comrade Sandra Nnenna Obgonna expressed her grief after listening to testimonies from survivors of sexual abuse and reiterated that it is important for women and other victims to speak out and scream when faced with such violations.
Other highlights of the event were the road walk which commenced from the Unity Fountain to the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja; lecture presented by the Founder Jewels Hive Initiative, Barrister Oluwatoyin Falaiye, titled “The effects of GBV and how to Spot a Perpetrator”; presentations by students from different schools and testimonies of survivors of sexual abuse and harassments.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence and Harassment aims to advocate for and ensure a safe world for women, girls and everyone.
