PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HUMAN RIGHT SITUAUTION IN NIGERIA

It is pertinent to emphasize on this human right day that all aspects of Nigerian Human rights requires significant improvement. The issue of abuse has gone unaccountable and perpetrators are not brought to book.  At state levels and in Imo state specifically, there are no laws protecting women and girls from violence. Government agencies  who should ensure safety and peace has long been involved in assault of civilians, illegal adoption, torture and other forms of violent and inhumane act. No wonder the campaign #EndSARS.

Rape, adolescent relationship abuse, online abuse and school related gender based violence is on the increase.  Violence and insecurity persists. The justice system runs without effective resources to ensure access to justice by victims of human right issues.  It’s not amazing that nothing is done to mitigate these issues. What is the future of human rights in Nigeria? Can we come to that point where human right issues are addressed with commitment?

Let’s not forget in a hurry that Human Rights are inalienable rights of every one. It remains the legal entitlement of every citizen which must be enjoyed without fear. At this point I call on the Law makers at national and state level to kindly reaffirm their commitment to human rights. Ratify laws and policies that protect and promote human rights #GEOBill  #MaputoProtocol #CEDAW  and ensure that perpetrators of human right abuses are held accountable.

Human Rights Day – December 10, 2017

Gender Based Violence in Education is a Human Right Issue

For Immediate Release;   

November 25^th, 2017                                         

Gender Based Violence in Education is a Human Right Issue

A blunt violation of human right and the most extreme expression of unequal gender relations in the society which affect every woman and girl world over. Gender Based Violence abuses happens anywhere, and in schools.

School Related Gender Based Violence has prevented equality in the education sector over time. School-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) encompasses sexual, physical and psychological violence occurring at school and on the journey to and from school. It is violence that is perpetrated as a result of gender stereotyping, discriminatory practices and unequal gender relations. It includes explicit threats or acts of physical violence, bullying, verbal or sexual harassment, non-consensual touching, sexual coercion and assault, and rape. Corporal punishment and discipline in schools often manifest in highly gendered ways. And unprecedented access to information and communications technology has resulted in new forms of intimidation, cyber bullying and sexual harassment.

The imperative of addressing GBV in schools is based on the fact that the school is not immune to traditional and cultural norms, laws and government policies which exist in the country or community nor experiences aquired by staff and pupils from outside the school.

The child right Act considers education as absolute right of every child. To this effect therefore, every educational institution must address gender norms at all levels to prevent GBV in schools and society at large. More also, schools must adopt effective strategies to prevent and respond to violence.

This day 25^th November marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism, an international campaign to chalenge Gender Based Violence around the world. This is calling on schools on this international day for the Elimination of violence against women,  to join the international community in promoting gender equality, respectful and non-violent culture among schools.

• ·       To encourage educational reforms that promote gender equality in all educational sector
• ·       Develop school policies to address all types of violence for safe and non discrimination in schools
• ·       Incorporate sexual /GBV education in school curriculla for primary and secondary schools.
• ·       Ensure that school environment is safe from violence by improving infrastructure
• ·       Establish a counselling system that gives support to victims/survivors of School Related Gender Based Violence (SRGBV)
• ·       Change attitudes towards GBV at societal level by involving parents and communities through parent/teacher association.

Eliminating violence against women lies in investing in young ones as the agents of achieving social transformation, a world free from inequality and Gender Based Violence. A world where education is free for all and free from violence.

                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                             

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

ALLIANCES FOR AFRICA LAUNCHES A NEW WEBSITE

Monday October 23, 2017

We are thrilled to invite our partners and visitors to explore our new website. The new website has been designed to provide maximum user-friendly experience with an excellent functionality throughout, allowing visitors to access details of our activities so far. The new website includes extensive information to help visitors understand Alliances for Africa’s (AfA) work which has been organized under;

·       Human rights, peace and poverty/sustainable development

·       Coalition building, monitoring and networking

·       Training and capacity-building

·       Gender Justice and Advocacy

On the website, visitors can stay informed about our latest news, articles, newsletters and press releases. Among the features of the website is a site map to enable visitors locate our physical address and a form for our free newsletter subscription which gives you a monthly highlight of Alliances for Africa (AfA)’s events. There is a link to our blog and social media handles so you  can follow and like our pages and posts. You may notice that some areas of the website are still under construction and may not be accessible now, be rest assured that all will be completed soonest. In the meantime, feel free to explore our website and use the contact form if you wish to contact us with any questions, complaints or suggestions. You can access the new AfA website at www.alliancesforafrica.org.

About Alliance for Africa

AFA is an international African led non-governmental human right, peace and sustainable development organization. AfA works with partners in, around and beyond the continent of Africa to advocate for protection of human rights; promote women’s participation in leadership and governance; build institutional capacity, advocate for gender justice, equality and non-discrimination, as well as promoting peace, security and conflict resolution interventions

FaceBook:  web.facebook.com/AlliancesforAfrica/

Twitter: www.twitter/afaafrica

Email: afa@alliancesforafrica.org

Blog: afafrica.blogspot.com

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/alliancesforafrica/

Tel: +2348168702759

STOP SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Mr. David Charles hereby pleads not guilty to a one count charge of defilement after he was paraded at Ikeja magistrate court for rapping a ten year old daughter of his neighbor. He claims he did not penetrate the child but only caressed her vagina with his fingers, and in shock I ask Sir, what were your fingers doing on the vagina of a ten year old girl who was asked to get water from your fridge? I can’t help but ponder further on the matter. He asserted that the young girl requested to view pornography on his phone and again I asked, if a girl of ten years had truly requested to view pornography in a man’s phone, couldn’t the man decline her request? He had an option, but went ahead to defile the little girl. Certainly because he knows he can dominate her and make her feel responsible for a crime perpetrated against her.  Caressing a Minor’s vagina is a crime of sexual violence. The police prosecutor said the suspect did unlawfully defile the little girl which is an offence punishable under section 137 of the criminal law of Lagos state. The survivor of this preposterous crime of violence is only but a child who would go through moments of fear, helplessness, guilt, isolation, betrayal, anger, low self-esteem relationship problems, sexual difficulty, anxiety and negative body image over the years.

At this point I must reiterate that the crime of sexual violence is on the shoot in Nigeria and unfortunately often times, not reported. I stand to condemn the act of sexual violence against women and girls. There is need for every state government to domesticate national laws that protect women and girls from all forms of discrimination and violence.

For me, this is also an opportunity to call on necessary stake holders and independent institutions as well to re-examine the gaps and challenges surrounding the delay behind the passage of the GEO bill into Law. The Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill (GEOB) was rejected by members of Nigeria’s Senate on Tuesday the March 15^th 2016. The GEO Bill seeks to guarantee the rights of women to access equal opportunities in employment and education. It also seeks to guarantee equal rights to inheritance for both male and female children .Understanding of the need of the GEOB in addressing the trend of violence and current issues in gender and security in Nigeria.

The Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill (GEOB) is an amalgamation of sections of gender focused treaties and policies especially the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women(CEDAW), the African Union Protocol on Human and people’s Right and the National Gender Policy. It is never late to take action to #EndViolence. Pass the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill.

Anozie Chinwendu

Alliances for Africa

GBV Awareness

IT’S A NEW DAWN FOR WOMEN’S RIGHT IN AFRICA

The prevalence of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) against women and girls in Nigeria and Africa generally, has long ceased to be nouveau in global history. The growing concern in Nigeria most especially, is the inability or unwillingness of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute these human rights violations, which has led to the heightened perpetuation of such crimes.

The inability or unwillingness of the State to act, violates the due diligence principle that the responsibility to protect women from violence resides in the States themselves. It also means that the State is not being held accountable for violations committed against half of its population – women and girls more so where this inhuman treatment is perpetrated by security agents charged with responsibility of maintaining law and order in the society.

A plethora of victims of SGBV if not all, live in psychological pain of non-recompense for the violations of their fundamental human rights. The knowledge that the perpetrators still walk the streets as free men further kills victims’ desire to seek help for themselves. The relevant question is; what more appropriate help can be offered these victims other than punishing their perpetrators, offering monetary compensation and rehabilitating the victims? Statistics has proven that the surest heal for victims of sexual and gender base violence is the reparation of their perpetrators, knowing that the perpetrator is punished heals the malaise the crime bears on women and girls.

Despite this pervading menace, we are content to announce that the 12^th of October, 2017 saw the advocacy for the protection of the fundamental human rights of women and girls in Africa take a new turn as the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gave judgement in favour of Dorothy Chioma Njemanze, Edu Ene Okoro, Justina Etim and Amarachi Jessyforth in the case of Dorothy Njemanze & 3 Ors v. Federal Republic of Nigeria in suit no: ECW/CJ/APP/17/14 .

It was a case of gender based violence against Dorothy Chioma Njemanze, Edu Ene Okoro, Justina Etim and Amarachi Jessyforth by agents of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Military.

The heightened level of violent, cruel, inhumane, degrading, discriminatory and unlawful treatment suffered in the hands of the abovementioned purported law enforcement agents in Abuja by these women instigated the suit.The young women were abducted and assaulted verbally, physical and sexually, threatened and unlawfully detained at different intervals between January 2011 and March 2013 by the aforementioned agents of Nigerian Government simply because they were seen outside at night on the streets of Abuja. The women were termed prostitutes while men who were so situate was not harassed. Prior to the institution of the suit in the court, the 1^st plaintiff,Dorothy Chioma Njemanze, exhausted all avenues reaching out to government instituted offices, ministries and organizations; in a desperate attempt to obtain justice for herself and other victims but received no positive support whatsoever.

However, the case was filed since the 17^th of September, 2014 on the intervention of Alliances for Africa (AFA) being an organisation keen on protection and promotion of women’s right and support from Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, Nigerian Women Trust Fund and the law firm of S.P.A Ajibade SAN. All was made possible with funding from Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), an altruistic Organization.

On the 12^th of October, 2017, after surviving several adjournments, the case was decided. The ECOWAS court sitting in Abuja held inter alia, that;

1. The multiple violation of fundamental rights of the plaintiffs through arbitrary arrest, the inhumane and cruel treatment and unlawful detention at different times by the agents of Nigerian Government, offends the provisions of the Protocol to the African Charter on Women and Peoples Rights on the Right of Women in Africa.
2. The degrading and humiliating verbal assault on the plaintiffs; calling them prostitutes repeatedly without proof; amounts to gender based violence as the men were not harassed during the said raid at night.
3. The 1^st, 3^rd and 4^th plaintiffs are each entitled to monetary compensation to the tune of 6,000,000.00 (Six Million Naira only).

Alliances for Africa is delighted by this land mark decision that not only promotes gender justice in Africa but has motivated the African woman to seek redress for the violation of her human rights; being the first ever pronouncement of a Regional Court of Law on women’s human rights using the Protocol to the African Charter on Women and Peoples Rights on the Right of Women in Africa (MAPUTO PROTOCOL) essentially Articles 2,3,4,5,8 and 25 and Articles 5 &6 of African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).

Let the Nigeria and other West African States be put on notice hence, that we will fight every act of violation of the fundamental human rights of women and girls, we will prosecute and justice is assured. The era of unspoken victimization has been blown away by the wind of the ECOWAS court judgement of 12^th October and we now ride on the wings of this new era to determine freedom from sexual and gender based violations in Africa! It is hoped that this decision will generate change in government policy and practice with regard to the gender-based violence and gender-based discrimination across

Africa.

Chetachi  Louis-Udeh,

Legal Programs Officer( Gender Justice Project)

Alliances for Africa

Email:chetachi@alliancesforafrica

Twitter:@chetalouis

+234 7039068960.

PRESS RELEASE

The Nigerian Feminist Forum felicitates with Alliances for Africa, its legal team, partners in the Gambia, and the law firm SPA Ajibade in Lagos over the landmark judgement issued on October, 12^th 2017 by the ECOWAS Court based in Abuja Nigeria. In the case Dorothy Njemanze, Edu Okoro, Justina Etim and Amarachi JessyForth versus Federal Government of Nigeria on the treatment women suffered in the hands of various government authorities amounting to gender based violence (GBV), harassment, torture, cruel, verbal abuse, inhuman and very degrading treatment.

The Case which was filed September 17^th, 2014, was a joint action between Alliances for Africa, Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) and the law firm of SPA Ajibade with support from Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)

The NFF and its partners, totally reject and condemn the abduction and assault, physical, verbal and unlawful detention that these young women and what they went through between January 2011 and March 2013 in the hands of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board(AEPB) and other governmental agencies, including the police and the military. They were arrested and accused of being prostitutes simply on the grounds that there were found on the streets at night. This is a complete case of violation of the right of freedom of liberty and as the ECOWAS court could not find such proof that these women were indeed prostitutes. In the judgement, the court held that the arrest was unlawful, and such should not be encouraged to go on.

The NFF salutes the courage of these young women particularly who defended their right amidst all the stigmatization and verbal abuse meted out against them within these three years of continuous court adjournment. The NFF also recognizes and commends highly the efforts and support of the stakeholders who have provided moral and financial support.

The NFF being an instrumental institution over the years in addressing key fundamental issues, uses this medium to call on partners, other stakeholders, as well as independent institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission to re-examine the gaps and challenges surrounding the delay behind the passage of the GEO bill into Law.The Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill (GEOB) was rejected by members of Nigeria’s Senate on Tuesday the March 15^th 2016. The GEO Bill seeks to guarantee the rights of women to access equal opportunities in employment and education. It also seeks to guarantee equal rights to inheritance for both male and female children.Understanding of the need of the GEOB in addressing the trend and current issues in gender and security in Nigeria.

The Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill (GEOB) is an amalgamation of sections of gender focused treaties and policies especially the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women(CEDAW), the African Union Protocol on Human and people’s Right and the National Gender Policy.

Nigeria is signatory to both the  CEDAW  and the African Union Protocol on Human and Peoples Right but they are not yet enforceable in the country because Sec 12(1) of the Constitution stipulates that no treaty entered into by Nigeria shall have force until ratified by the National Assembly, hence the presentation of the bill before the National Assembly. The bill was presented by Senator Abiodun Christine Olujumi. The GEO bill encountered several oppositions upon its presentation before the National Assembly.

There is a great need to encourage our parliamentarians to visualise a worthwhile development for the country and ensure these laws are domesticated at federal and state levels. Women’s full and active participation in decision making positions to a large extent is dependent on the how firm these laws are implemented and how they are enforced in order to stem the incidences of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

We also call on the leadership of Nigerian legislature, not to relent in its commitment to ensure the immediate passage of the re-introduced Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill presently before the senate.

The Nigerian Feminist Forum (NFF) brings together Nigerian feminist activists to deliberate and advance issues of key concern to women and gender relations in Nigeria. It was developed out of the growing concern amongst feminists in the Country, that the efforts to develop conceptual and advocacy clarity in advancement of women’s issues and protect feminist spaces where lacking. The NFF has been in existence since 2005 when, at the African Feminist Forum, Nigerian feminists present agreed to make the NFF a priority. The NFF is led by a steering committee. It has its headquarters in Lagos.

Signed,

OgechiIkeh

NigerianFeministForum,Secretariat.

nff@alliancesforafrica.org

ogechi@alliancesforafrica.org

(+2348038233877)

STATEMENT

On September 7 2017, women from across Nigeria met in Abuja to discuss the need: 

1. for a platform (#NGWomen4Peace) for women to voice their concerns about key

issues which negatively impact on us, our children and our families and

2. to organise women to promote a stronger sense of ownership and belonging in

the country and build our confidence to contribute positively to making a

difference to the trajectory of our country. 

#NGWomen4Peace is a coalition of women representing all parts of Nigeria concerned with

the current state of affairs and focused on ensuring that Nigeria remains a country of peace,

prosperity and participation for all. 

We have observed the following:

• An increased wave of hate speech,

• Numerous inciting statements,

• Increased spate of violent conflicts around the country,

• That women, who bear the brunt of the violent conflict, are generally not

consulted when ethnic, religious and political groups publish their statements

which threaten the peace and security of Nigerians. 

We acknowledge the efforts of the security sector, the humanitarian community, CSO,

religious and traditional authorities and individuals who are trying to manage the problem. 

Our demands are: 

• Zero tolerance for hate speech while promoting and protecting freedom of

expression;

• The engagement of women in governance processes in the public and private sector

as well as peace building and conflict resolution platforms.

• That ethnic, religious and political groups refrain from making blanket statements

purporting to represent us without due consultation with us. We want all Nigerians

to know that when these provocative statements are being made – these groups are

not speaking for Nigerian women

• That we all work together for a better future for our country by promoting the ideal

that we are our brothers and sisters keeper. 

We live in hope for a better Nigeria where every individual has equal opportunities to be the

best they can be for themselves and their communities. Nothing good comes without hard

work and sacrifice but we, Nigerian women, declare that we can and must build the country

of our dreams without sacrificing the lives of innocents. 

Further activities are being planned and we are open to other women and women’s groups

joining us.  

Signed By:

1. Iheoma Obibi - Alliances for Africa, Imo State

2. Esther Eshiet - After School Centre for Career Development, Akwa Ibom

3. Mabel Ikoghode - Girls Power Initiative, Delta State

4. Dr. Alice Musa - University of Madugiri, Borno State

5. Dr. K. Kwari - University of Madugiri, Borno State

6. Ayisha Osori- Self, Kogi State

7. Azeenah Mohamed - Independent, Nassara State

8. Patricia Onyekwelu - WILPF Nigeria, Enugu State

9. Ifeyinwa Omowole Nigeria Association of Women Journalist, Lagos State

10. Ballason Gloria - House of Justice Kaduna State

11. Osai Ojigho - Self, Delta State

12. Nnenaya Emeremadu - CARA Development Foundation. Imo State

13. Jemila Barkindo - Women Peace and Security Network, Borno State

14. Amy Oyekan Monii Development Consultant, Delta State

15. Ify Malo - Clean Tech Hub, Anambra State

16. Eleanor Nwadinobi - Gender Expert, Abia State

17. Olufunke Baruwa - Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Ekiti State

18. Priscilla Achakpa - Women Environment Program, Benue State

19. Blessing Usie - Open Society Justice Initiative, Delta State

20. Felicia Onibon - Change Managers International Network, Edo State

21. Edna Mathews-Njoku - Joel Women Youth Development Initiative, Imo State

22. Ndi Kato - NNidari Empowerment Foundation, Kaduna State

23. Natasha Akpoti - Builders Hub Foundation, Kogi State

24. Lesley Agams - Consultant, Abuja FCT

25. Mariam Marwa- Abdu - Women and Children's Rights and Empowerment Foundation

Adamawa State !

26. Blessing Duru - Program Manager, Alliances for Africa

27. Ogechi Ikeh - Program Officer, Nigerian Feminist Forum 

Disability Inclusive Development

Persons with disabilities are disproportionately likely to live within poverty, and too often lack access to education, health care, employment opportunities, housing, social protection system, justice, cultural expression and participation in political life. Their ability to participate in the society are usually frustrated because physical environment, transportation, information and communication systems are not accessible. what can be done to ensure that all aspects of national development efforts are inclusive of persons with disabilities?  Disability leads to poverty and poverty increases the likelihood of disability in a number of ways. Because of the relationship between disability and poverty, the integration of disability issues in development is critical for the elimination of poverty, achievement of social inclusion, equitable, fair and sustainable development.

Here are key elements to disability inclusive development. First is Inclusive Education which specifies that children with disabilities should be included in general education as well as in early childhood quality learning, and that accessibility of educational infrastructure and provision of reasonable accommodation be ensured.

Inclusive Health Care services require accessible buildings and equipment, appropriately trained health care providers and accessible information. In the case of  children with disabilities, comprehensive early assessment should be provided and referral systems should be in place.

Access to Decent Work and Employment for persons with disabilities require access to vocational training, skills development,  and other employment support  programs funded by the governments. Decent work opportunities in the rural and informal economies where persons with disabilities frequently seek their livelihood should also be improved.

Inclusive Social Protection requires availability to persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others and that social protection systems take the specific requirements  of persons with disabilities into account in benefits.

Women with disabilities face multiple forms of discrimination, which places them at higher risk of gender based violence, sexual abuse, neglect, maltreatment and exploitation.  They also experience heightened levels of exclusion from development and are often among the most marginalized segments within societies, facing significant difficulties in attaining access to adequate housing, health service, vocational training and employment. It has been broadly recognized by the international community that achievement of gender equality is critical to sustainable development. Equality between men and women is a fundamental principle of the CRDP (article(g))  which further specifies that state parties are to take all necessary appropriate measures to ensure the full development and empowerment of women for the purpose of guaranteeing them the exercise and enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedom.

Why We Need More Women In Governance

Women would sure make better leaders because they have more compassion and empathy, and their negotiation style is more inclusive. Modern ideas of transformation in leadership are more in line with qualities women generally share such as empathy, inclusiveness and open negotiation style. Women leadership also help drive direct change in structural policies including parental leave, child care and pay. Women leadership can impact positively on the economic growth of any country the organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has noted that women typically invest a higher proportion of their income in their families and communities than men. Women are closely involved with the local community life therefore they can easily advocate for the interest of the communities.
As mothers and nurturers of the family, women would make policies that benefit children and families in general, they would promote children's right, and women's right legislation. The need to increase women participation in governance is urgent as millions of live are threatened by poverty, food insecurity and climate change, and only women who are critical to finding solutions to the effect of these problems can passionately work to improve and promote well being.  

Impact Of International Women's Day On Women's Political Inclusiveness in Nigeria

The 2017 International women's day was celebrated around the world on March 8, 2017. It was a day to celebrate the achievement of women around the world and to call out to necessary stake holders to take action to overcome the entrenched prejudice, support engagement and promote gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria as well as join the rest of the world to help forge a better working world, a more gender inclusive world. There was a huge advocacy call around the world to end gender discrimination in commemoration  of the 2017 International Women's Day

In Nigeria, the House of Senate commemorates International Women's Day and resolved to call on government at all levels to give women a quota in all elective offices, and to mandate the committee on Women Affairs to look into the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Act in all states of the federation and report back to the senate.

The House of Representative accordingly resolved to support engagement and activism, promote gender equality and women empowerment in Nigeria and be bold for change to help forge a more gender inclusive world.

The importance of International Women's Day celebration therefore, cannot be over emphasized, it serves to promote gender parity. Hopefully, we would be having a better Nigeria, where more women are in the corridors of power, to facilitate and enhance the the rights of  the Nigerian woman, review legislation, and promote all the laws that favors the women and end gender discrimination.

Ordeal of Displaced Women and Girls in Nigeria

Human right watch once documented sexual abuse including rape and exploitation of 43 women and girls living in internally displaced person's [IDP] camp in Maiduguri, Borno state capital.

Mausi Segun, senior Nigeria Researcher at Human Right Watch said it's disgraceful and outrageous that people who should protect these women and girls are attacking and abusing them.

Four internally displaced persons reported they were dragged and raped, while 37 were coerced into sex through false marriage promises, and maternal assistance. Many of those coerced into sex said they were abandoned if they became pregnant. They as well as their children eventually suffer discrimination, abuse and stigmatization from other camp residents.

Internally Displaced Persons living in the camp get irregular supply of food, clothing, medicine and other essentials, as well as restricted movement in the camps in Maiduguri which compounds the vulnerability of women and girls living in the camp. Widowed women and unaccompanied orphaned girls are vulnerable to rape and sexual exploitation by camp officials, soldiers, police, members of the civilian vigilante groups and other Maiduguri  residents.

A woman in Dalori camp said residents gets meal only once a day. She said she accepted advances of a soldier who proposed marriage because she needed help in feeding her four children. He disappeared five months later when she told him she was pregnant.Aid workers  in the camp had warned since early 2016 that displaced women and girls in the camp have been forced to exchange sex for basic necessities.

A 16 year old girl was raped by a vigilante group member in charge of distributing aid in the camp. She said, he knew my parents were dead because he is also from Baga. He would bring me food items, so i believed he really wanted to marry me, but he was also asking me for sex. I always told him i was too young. The day he raped me, he offered me a drink in a cup, as soon as i drank it, i slept off. It was in his camp room.

I knew something was wrong when i woke up, i was in pain, and blood was coming out of my private part. I felt weak and could not walk well. I did not tell anyone because i was afraid. When my menstrual period did not come, i knew i was pregnant and just wanted to die, to join my dead mother. I was too ashamed to even go the clinic for pregnancy care, i am so young. The man ran away from the camp when he heard i delivered a baby six months ago. I just feel so sorry for the baby because i have no food or love to give to him. I think he might die.

An 18 year old was raped in exchange for freedom to leave the camp. A 30 year old woman from Walassa, was promised false marriage by a soldier and was abandoned with a pregnancy and four children. Many other women in the camp suffer sexual abuse, exploitation and violence. The rights of displaced women and girls should be reinforced. let's fight human right abuses. Stop violence against women.

                                         

THE EFFECT OF BATTERING AGAINST WOMEN.

 Battering is a violent attack that injures somebody. Effect is the result of something on somebody or something else. The effect of battering women therefore means the result of violently attacking women. The modern society has started to acknowledge the individual identity of women. She is believed to have her aspiration, abilities and qualities as a man does have and it is also agreed that she should have the opportunities to develop her faculties and express them according to her own choice. Women are important elements of our society as they are becoming not only significant unit of the society but also influencing the course of social change in society. Would it be right to violently attack women who happen to be important element of our society? What happens to a society where the women are being battered? Are there any physical, psychological and emotional effect of battering on the woman? What are the social and educational effect of battering? Are there any maternal and marital effect of battering women? This practical piece intends to expose the ill effect of battering women on the individual and society at large. It answers to the questions raised and proffers possible solution to address the issue of battering in the society. 

 Battering which is also known as domestic violence is one of the frequent and least reported crimes in the world. Women of every age, race, and nationality can be battered.  It is done by the man a woman is married to or even dating. Battering can come in different forms and includes recurrent threatening and harmful behavior. Verbal and emotional abuse, control of finances, and one's physical freedom. Battering may involve severe and frequent beating,which may include slapping,puncShing,chocking,kicking or hitting with objects.For a woman who has left the relationship, stalking can be part of battering. Sadly battering.Sadly, battering can escalate to sexual assault and can end in murder. Have you ever seen a child physically beaten, severely sustaining injuries and bruises as a result. The physical effect of battering is as far reaching and devastating as those seen in battered children. Battered women suffer as they may experience physical disability,chronic health problem and mental illness.They may eventually a poor ability to create healthy relationships. Victims of domestic violence may experience psychological problem such as post traumatic stress disorder. Fourty-five percent of woman abuse results in physical injury.The psychological effect of this can be far reaching, eighty-five percent of abused women indicate that they have experienced some type of negative emotional effects including anger, fear, becoming less trusting, lowered self-esteem, depression, anxiety, shame and guilt.In order to combat these effects, twenty-five percent of these women report having used alcohol, drug or medication.[effects of woman abuse 2000]. Physical effects of abuse include; broken bones, burns, stab wounds, loss of hair, chronic joint or muscle pain, bites and bruises.

 Maternal health effect of abuse include; frequent pregnancies, miscarriages, infertility, chronic vaginal infection. Psychological effect of abuse include;low self esteem, anxiety, lack of appropriate boundary, self degradation, uncontrolled rapid anger response, frequent crying, sleep disturbances, inability to form and maintain relationships.Violent victimization can influence a woman's overall perception of herself.[turcotte 2011]. Domestic violence is so rampant that one out of every three women around the world has been beaten.[Kofi Anan 2006], how sad! Children of  violent marriages who witness domestic violence end up in juvenile delinquency and adult criminality.[putnam ault 2014 and sage publication inclination 2002. the ripple effect of domestic violence extends far into the society at large. Research reveals that domestic violence costs more than 5 billion dollars in medical and mental health care. Each year, an estimated 8 million of paid working days are lost to domestic violence annually.[world health organization 2011] Domestic violence impacts negatively on the victim, marriages, children, society at large and economy. What can be done to stop domestic violence?

 We can all take steps to stop domestic violence especially as it is one of the under reported crimes. Educating the community about domestic violence,its impact and how to intervene safely is one step to stop it, this education can take place in town hall meetings, talks, and other group session. Community members can build a coalition with the local police to organize and support a network where domestic violence is monitored and reported. Such support network can be boosted with modern technology. Government should support the civil society groups through legislative laws that stand against domestic violence. Government can build shelters for victims and their children and rehabilitation centers for the abuser who may go through healing. Government can also include sex and relationship education for students in their curriculum. Let's work together to stop domestic violence, to save our women, our children and our society.

REFERENCE : Effects of woman abuse 2002 . Kofi Anan 2006. Johnson et al 2008. Juristat 2013. Malamoth et al 1995. Putman adult 2004. Sage publications 2002.