Mrs Hanan Buhari, Daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari, has decried what she described as low reportage of rape, sexual and gender-based violence cases in the country.
She said this at the inauguration of the Hanan Buhari Foundation which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday evening.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance top government dignitaries, traditional rulers, among others.
Mrs Buhari said that Nigeria’s rape culture had been in existence and tolerated for decades and it was time to speak out for the emancipation of women’s rights.
She added that the offence which had always been shrouded in secrecy due to ingrained patriarchal sex stereotypes, structural and systemic oppression women face, among others, must be stopped.
“Report revealed that the rape incidences for women and girls is on an increasing trend from 63 per cent in 2015 to 72.1 per cent in 2016 and 69.3 per cent in 2017.
“In spite of increase in activism, cases of rape are still grossly underreported.
“According to data from Nigeria’s National Anti-Trafficking Agency, only 32 cases were reported between 2019 and 2020 for fear of stigmatisation.
“Undoubtedly, we need to rise up and break this culture of silence, especially now that more women are beginning to have courage to speak out about their victimisation.
“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.
“In spite of increase in activism, cases of rape are still grossly underreported.
“According to data from Nigeria’s National Anti-Trafficking Agency, only 32 cases were reported between 2019 and 2020 for fear of stigmatisation.
“Undoubtedly, we need to rise up and break this culture of silence, especially now that more women are beginning to have courage to speak out about their victimisation.
“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.
“In spite of increase in activism, cases of rape are still grossly underreported.
“According to data from Nigeria’s National Anti-Trafficking Agency, only 32 cases were reported between 2019 and 2020 for fear of stigmatisation.
“Undoubtedly, we need to rise up and break this culture of silence, especially now that more women are beginning to have courage to speak out about their victimisation.
“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.
pulse.ng
