Greetings friends, it's a great privilege to partake in this week's class, the topic in discussion is an interesting, and educative one. This is my contribution to the class based on the questions that were given.
Gender-based violence has to do with the violence on individuals specifically based on their gender identity. The violence may occur due to societal norms and discrimination.
It's something everyone should rise and come against it, to put a stop to it, and bring justice to victims
-. Please tell us if there is a special law in your country to protect women's rights and what is your opinion regarding this law.
Certainly, in Nigeria, there are laws set out to protect women's rights. Among these laws, the most recommended one is the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) of 2015.
This law takes charge of issues like sexual assault, domestic violence, psychological violence, harmful traditional practices, and more enlightenment on gender-based violence.
My Opinion Regarding the Law
The law is making admirable steps in protecting the rights of individuals especially women against any form of gender violence.
Unfortunately, the law is only effective at the federal level, its implementation is not yet domesticated in all 36 states in Nigeria.
Many rural areas within the country are still facing awareness challenges and access to Justice against any form of gender-based violence.
-. Please state whether you consider this law to be effective and whether it does not violate the principle of equality before the law enjoyed by both men and women.
Based on my view, the law can only be considered effective if properly enforced, and challenges like inadequate funding to enforcement agencies, and lack of awareness are properly addressed.
The law admits the vulnerabilities that may likely affect women due to societal norms and discrimination.
Fairness should be considered in implementing the law to eliminate discrimination against men and ensure true equality.
The VAPP Act can be more effective, if supported by societal norms and awareness campaigns. In order to achieve this, public awareness must be made to acknowledge the society toward a changed attitude on gender-based violence. Awareness can be made through school programs, community events, and media's.
-. From the list of crimes mentioned in class, say which ones you consider may be crimes of gender violence and which ones may be common crimes committed against a woman or women.
| Crimes of Gender Violence |
|---|
- Psychological violence
- Domestic violence
- Sexual violence
- Violent carnal access
- Forced prostitution
- Sexual slavery
- Sexual harassment
- Obstetric violence
- Forced sterilization
- Trafficking of women, girls, and adolescents
| Common Crimes |
|---|
- Harassment or bullying (in most cases can be a crime of gender violence)
- Threats
- Physical violence
- Workplace violence
- Media violence ( may reflect crime of gender violence, but based on societal context to clarify the case)
- Institutional violence
- Symbolic violence ( often may also reflect crime of gender violence, but based on societal circumstances to clarify the case).
- Have you or someone close to you been a victim of gender violence. What was the situation? Was the victim able to assert her rights? Do you think the law favored the victim?
| Personal Experience |
|---|
I would like to share the story of a 29 year old lady, Rosemary is a teacher in one of the local secondary schools in our community in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Rosemary and Joseph had been married for 4 years with 2 children.
Despite societal challenges, she did not let down her passion for empowering young girls in the community to pursue their educational success.
Initially, she received all the help and support she needed from her husband, she believed fate brought him to her to share in her dreams. Due to the advancement in her career, Joseph began having a changed attitude seeing how committed she was to her work.
Many problems arise in their home, Joseph began accusing her of neglecting her responsibilities as a wife and disregarding her duties in the house. He made it known to her that for peace to reign she must quit her career. Disagreeing with her husband's decision stirred up the problem even more.
Joseph began monitoring and giving her restrictions on many activities, even visiting friends and attending community events.
This issue persisted until it turned into physical abuse. One day Rosemary came back from work and informed her husband of her plans to mentor a group of girls in the neighbouring village, Joseph struck her and warned her never to challenge his decision ever again.
Rosemary sustained some bruises due to the beatings she received from her husband, she was frightened and lived in fear.
Rosemary had a trusted friend, Esther, who was very close to her, she told her everything she had been going through in her home, and Esther consoled and advised her to report the case to the agencies. She felt reluctant about her friend's advice, but later summoned courage and made the step.
Esther took her to a local women's rights organization, where they helped her to file a report under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act).
The VAPP Act took on the case and treated it effectively. Joseph was arrested, Rosemary and her children were kept in check by the agencies. After a while, she regained herself again and proceeded to her teaching career, though there were still some minor challenges.
Through her experience, she was able to eager others to speak up against abuse and became an advocate for women's rights.
Rosemary's story shows the importance of the VAPP Act. Through their supportive system, hope and justice can be assured.
Case Study 1.
A thief arrives at a restaurant and subdues the customers there so they give up their belongings. A woman refuses to hand over her cell phone and money, instead she confronts the thief so he fires his firearm and shoots the aforementioned woman, causing her death.
-. Please state whether we are dealing with a femicide or a homicide committed against a woman. Explain your answer.
| Scenario |
|---|
A thief kills a woman during a robbery operation because she refuses to hand over her belongings and confronts him instead.
Analysis of the Case
Certainly, it is an homicide committed against a woman and not femicide.
Reasons
The cause of the killing was due to her refusal to hand over her belongings, the situation has nothing to do with her gender.
Femicide involves violence specifically based on gender, which is not seen in this case.
In the other way round, this could be considered a crime of gender violence, due to women being regarded as weak vessels, the thief took advantage of her and took her belongings.
Case Study 2.
After some time, a man began insulting his wife, telling her that she was not worthy as a woman. He humiliated her, not letting her work or go out, claiming that a woman belongs to the house and cannot go out without her husband's consent.
One day, in the middle of the argument, the woman tried to respond to his insults and he beat her up, leaving her face with bruises.
-. Please state whether this is a crime of gender violence or a common crime committed against a woman. Explain your answer.
| Scenario |
|---|
In this case, a husband abuses his wife, beats and humiliates her, also deprives her of her freedom.
Analysis of the Case
Certainly, it is a crime of gender violence.
Reasons
The cause of the abuse portrays gender-based violence, the husband denying her freedom, humiliating and treating her as mere property, and asserting power and control over her.
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