By Dada Ahmed in lokoja
Mrs Safiya Aliyu, the President, Upper Area Court II Lokoja, kogi state, has urged across Nigeria to speak out against sexual and physical violence, reminding them that they were not created to be object of brutalization and violence or treated as sub humans.
Aliyu gave the advice in her paper, entitled, ”Confronting Sexual And Physical Violence Against Women And Children: We Can Do Better” at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kogi chapter in Lokoja on Monday.
“Time has come for women to speak out against sexual and physical violence. We have FIDA to fight our cause, not just in Kogi State, but all over the world. Women are created to be loved and treated with respect.
“We are not created to be brutalized, violated, downtrodden or treated less a human being.
“Today more than ever before, we say no to sexual and physical violence”, she said.
Aliyu defined Physical violence or abuse as “any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person or animal by way of bodily contact, adding that Sexual violence “is any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion.
According to her, it is also an “act traffic a person or act directed against a person’s sexuality, regardless of the relationship to the victim.”
Aliyu stressed that sexual and physical violence were forms of gender-based violence; a phenomenon she noted was deeply rooted in gender inequality.
She, however, advised wonen to be careful not to trigger violence at home, in school or work place, but be peace makers and study the mood of their husbands, colleagues, bosses, acquaintances and others.
The President, Upper Area Court yeomen to avoid saying the wrong word at the wrong time, and should not destroy their husbands or children for selfish reasons, by peddling destructive falsehood against them.
Aliyu stated that the society could do better in confronting sexual and physical violence against women and children by improving Justice System, education, encourage, decent dressing, while parents should instill the fear of God in their children from childhood.
She enjoined all stakeholders to join hands in speaking up against and preventing sexual and physical violence against women and children.
Also in his lecture, Barr. Abdullahi Zakari, the Director- General, Office of the Public Defender and Citizens Rights Commission (PDCRC), blamed women oppression on patriarchy.
Zakari, however, believe that women empowerment would reduce violence against women and their children.
Earlier, the Chairperson of FIDA in Kogi, Ajuma Lilian Okolo, noted that the speakers at the occasion were carefully selected for their ability to effectively deal with the topic.
According to her, the AGM’s theme is very apt, adding that ‘it is germane to us as women and as women lawyers whose most potent weapon for the protection of women and children is legislations.”
Ajuma solicited the continued support of the relevant stakeholders to make the women in the federation more productive in promoting their objectives, while thanking all FIDANS who volunteered to work toward the success of the event.
The highlight of the programme is the official naming of FIDA Kogi patrons.
The Acting Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Henry Olusiyi, was decorated as the Grand Patron, while the AG and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Mohammed SAN; and tge DG of PDCRC, Barr. Zakari were both decorated as patrons.
The Chief Judge, who responded on behalf of the recipients, pledged his continued support in whatever way possible for FIDA in Kogi.
Also in attendance at the occasion were the Grand Khadi, Justice Abdulkarim A.Aruwa, President Customary Court, Judges of High Court, Solicitor General, and Senior members of the Bar, among others.
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