The phenomenon of violence against women has engaged the attention of
scholars, governmental and nongovernmental organizations for quite some
time now.
Yet it should be noted that this social problem persists and
in recent times with a particularly disturbing dimension. In the segment
of the chapter, the phenomenon of violence against women is critically
examined as a neglected aspect of the gender question in Nigeria. It
will be argued that the interplay of socio-cultural and economic
variables is responsible for the prevalence of this social problem in
Nigeria.
In the final analysis, suggested proposals are advanced on how the problem can be handled effectively. the U.N. commission on the status of women conceptualizes violence against women as: Any act of gender-based violence that results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty whether occurring in public or private life.
Violence against women also covers but is not limited to:
1. Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the family including sexual abuse of female children in the household, dowry related violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practises harmful to women, non-spousal violence and violence related to exploitation.
2. Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring within the general community, including rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and intimidation at work, in educational institutions and else where, trafficking in women and forced prostitution.
3. Physical, sexual and physiological violence perpetrated or condoned by the state, wherever it occurs.
The point therefore is that violence against women is phenomenon that pertains to a broad spectrum of issues affecting the female human species in her relation with her male counter-part in society. it is multi-dimensional, dynamic and resilient. In this paper it is taken to mean all forms of physical, subtle, emotional, psychological and even verbal harsh treatment our female folks suffer in the hands of men because they are biologically the weaker sex and more importantly became our social system places them in a disadvantaged position. Thus, beyond physical violence expressed in female circumcision, wife battering, rape and sexual torture. There are also physiological and economic ones like confinement, forced marriage, denying women either as daughters or wives the the means to take care of themselves and improve their nutrition, health, education. The details of these will be examined subsequently, for now it is enough to state that violence against women is a problem that is indeed integral to the broader women question in Nigeria.
Violence against women is a peculiar kind of social problem in that although endemic, it is often invisible and very difficult to identify, observe and measure. This would appear to be the case because it is hardly readily attested to by statically data. For example, studies have indicated that battered women hardly confess that they were so assaulted except when the man involved is caught in the act. Similarly, only a few women would admit that their husbands committed incest with their daughters as (his could threaten the marriage prospects of the affected girls. Furthermore, only a few girls would publicly admit that they were raped by their relatives, consequently, and as ). Albert correctly note:
This is solemnly for educational purpose and should not be used to promote crime against gender inequalities...
In the final analysis, suggested proposals are advanced on how the problem can be handled effectively. the U.N. commission on the status of women conceptualizes violence against women as: Any act of gender-based violence that results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty whether occurring in public or private life.
Violence against women also covers but is not limited to:
1. Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the family including sexual abuse of female children in the household, dowry related violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practises harmful to women, non-spousal violence and violence related to exploitation.
2. Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring within the general community, including rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and intimidation at work, in educational institutions and else where, trafficking in women and forced prostitution.
3. Physical, sexual and physiological violence perpetrated or condoned by the state, wherever it occurs.
The point therefore is that violence against women is phenomenon that pertains to a broad spectrum of issues affecting the female human species in her relation with her male counter-part in society. it is multi-dimensional, dynamic and resilient. In this paper it is taken to mean all forms of physical, subtle, emotional, psychological and even verbal harsh treatment our female folks suffer in the hands of men because they are biologically the weaker sex and more importantly became our social system places them in a disadvantaged position. Thus, beyond physical violence expressed in female circumcision, wife battering, rape and sexual torture. There are also physiological and economic ones like confinement, forced marriage, denying women either as daughters or wives the the means to take care of themselves and improve their nutrition, health, education. The details of these will be examined subsequently, for now it is enough to state that violence against women is a problem that is indeed integral to the broader women question in Nigeria.
Violence against women is a peculiar kind of social problem in that although endemic, it is often invisible and very difficult to identify, observe and measure. This would appear to be the case because it is hardly readily attested to by statically data. For example, studies have indicated that battered women hardly confess that they were so assaulted except when the man involved is caught in the act. Similarly, only a few women would admit that their husbands committed incest with their daughters as (his could threaten the marriage prospects of the affected girls. Furthermore, only a few girls would publicly admit that they were raped by their relatives, consequently, and as ). Albert correctly note:
Violence related marital homes are usually privatized and confined to bedrooms and homes. To this extent, incest and sexual violence are, more often than not, a hidden problem. Women often fear that further harm may be done to them by their husbands if they make public the indignities suffered under them. Cultural sovereignty also makes problems like female circumcision, wife battering e.t.c. difficult to deal with politically. Consequently, most women with as strong legal instruments as other known crimes. Relativistic arguments about culture confer and how his wife should be treated. He could subjects his wife to dangerous battering and get praised by members of his immediate community for being an effective disciplinarian in his home.
This is solemnly for educational purpose and should not be used to promote crime against gender inequalities...
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Globalization