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Mr. Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, highlighted empowerment as the solution that would diminish danger and violence against women.
On Saturday 25, November 2023 recognized Globally as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Obi yielded on his X handle, formerly known as (Twitter).
Saying, based on the National Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), one-third of Nigerian women have encountered physical attacks by age 15. He kicked against condoning or supporting acts of violence against women.
Obi also pointed out that 68% of Nigerian women, of all ages, have been abused, sexually, economically, or emotionally, according to the 2019 survey by the National Bureau of Statistics.
Mr. Peter Obi suggested adequate health care, unbridled education, and empowerment are the best ways to stop violence against women.
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His words: ‘Today, the global community marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and I join my voice with that of all lovers of peace and a violence-free society, to speak out against all forms of gender-based violence, especially against women in our nation.
‘While every form of violence against any Nigerian deserves to be condemned, gender-based violence against women must not be given a place among us. The National Demographic and Health Survey reports that 1 in 3 Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by age 15 (NDHS 2013).
‘According to a 2019 survey by the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, 30% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while a shocking 68% have encountered emotional, economic, or sexual abuse. This ugly trend of violence must not be allowed to continue.
‘Violence against women can be eliminated by empowering Nigerian women to take their rightful place in society and contribute to our collective development as a nation. This, we can do by giving them access to education and healthcare which are most critical to national development.’
He added that the impact of all female Nigerian politicians cannot be underestimated, although they are considered as weaker genders.
‘Reports also show that women are critical players in our politics as they contribute significantly to the voting number, but are often hampered by violence which can only be eliminated by playing by the rules of the law guiding the game’, he concluded.
