Rape: Foundation seeks effective protection, justice system

By Stanley Onyekwere

In a bid to address the menace of rape that threatens the safety and sanity of the Nigerian populace, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Hanan Buhari Foundation (HBF) has called for development of system for effective protection of citizens and  justice for victims from rape violence.

Also, the Foundation, which was co-founded by Mrs. Hanan Muhammadu Buhari, the daughter of the President of Nigeria and husband, Mr. Muhammad Turad Sha’aban, stressed the need to support domestication of rape laws and monitoring of its implementation.

Speaking at the Foundation’s inaugural symposium on sexual violence, at the weekend, in Abuja, HBF’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Hanan Muhammadu Buhari, who described  rape as one of the most anti-social norms, pledged to utilize the platform to support efforts to end this societal issue and assist those affected by it in recovering from the harm it has done.

She bemoaned the Nigeria’s rape culture that has been in existence and tolerated for decades, as its often shrouded in secrecy due to ingrained patriarchal sex stereotypes, structural and systemic oppression women face, not to talk of the prevailing social norms and media portrayal that culturally treat women as sex objects and discourages open sexuality discussion, and stigmatises women who dared to speak out.

She noted that despite Acts such as Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015 and various states’ Violence Against Persons Prohibition Laws in Nigeria, which are all aimed at addressing issues of rape and other forms of sexual violence, enforcement of its laws is still sorely lacking in far too many cases.

She however, opined that with the infrastructures put in place in  Foundation, the social ills would be adequately mitigated, as the organisation would work with other prestigious bodies to champion the cause for the emancipation of victims and advocacy through tackling violence, assaults and rape.

According to her: “Women and children’s right to live free from violence is dependent on the protection of their human rights and a strong chain of justice.

“A rape survivor must have immediate access to a health clinic that can provide emergency medical care, including HIV prevention and treatment, as well as counseling. A woman who has been beaten by her husband needs somewhere to go with her children to find safety, sanity, and shelter. 

“When a victim of violence files a police report, she must have faith that she will receive justice and that the perpetrator will be punished. In addition, an adolescent boy in school learning about health and sexuality must be taught that coercion, violence, and discrimination against girls are all unacceptable.

“Society and posterity would not forgive us if we fail to act and bring an end to the circle of poor convictions and shatter the ceilings by providing a platform for victims to be able to speak up freely.”

The event with the theme: Addressing Sexual Violence  Through Women And Key Stakeholders ‘s Involvement, which also marked the official launching of the Foundation, was highly attended by very important personalities from  government, traditional institutions, religious and political inclinations.