This year Day of the African Child (DAC) 2022 will have as its theme the “Elimination of Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy and Practice since 2013.” The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which was established in accordance with Articles 32 and 33 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, decided to focus on this particular concern (the Charter).

The majority of HACEY’s projects are focused on assisting children and women in leading lives that are both better and more fruitful. This is because HACEY opposes any form of practice that is detrimental to the development of children.

In light of these, Hacey, in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), is sponsoring an outreach on the topic; “Elimination of Harmful Practices Affecting Children: Progress on Policy and Practice since 2013.” Which is scheduled to take place today at Bethel Comprehensive College in Alakia-Isebo, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The day’s goal is to raise awareness about the plight of children in Africa and the importance of contributing to improvements in every African child’s education, health, and nutrition. Every year on this day, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, and other stakeholders discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the full realization of children’s rights in Africa, as well as potential solutions to problems affecting African child development to improve a better environment in which to live and grow.

It is necessary that we remember the significance of the day and reflect on the challenges and opportunities that face the full realization of children’s rights in Africa. Children’s rights are routinely violated in homes, schools, and society. Some of the violations have almost become standardized and are accepted as norms in some groups. Children are subjected to serious violations of their human rights, including murder, physical harm, recruitment by armed forces or groups, sexual assault, kidnappings, deprivation of humanitarian aid, and attacks on healthcare and education. Other violations include; denial of educational opportunities, female genital mutilation, child trafficking, early marriages, child pregnancies, child labor, exposure to child prostitution and drug pushing. All of these and more violate the child’s rights, and there is a need to end these societal menaces to the African child

Every African child has the right to all advantages and as well as the right to live and thrive. Children have the right to good health, an acceptable standard of living, justice, and protection from inhuman treatment. The African child has a right to and is required to obtain justice and equity. As a result, the government should do everything possible to provide African children with development opportunities because children deserve to be safe from violence, oppression, and harmful social and cultural practices. Children should be viewed as peace, education, health care, climate change, and sustainable development ambassadors. This is because children are our tomorrow’s future.

All African children must have access to a child-friendly justice system. We require a coordinated and collaborative approach from multiple players, such as religious leaders, child rights advocates, governments, non-governmental organizations, children, youth, parents, and caregivers. This multidimensional approach ensures cooperation from the local to national and international levels in promoting children’s dignity and respect. To improve accountability, we must encourage families to identify and report child abuse cases in their communities.

To learn more about the impact that we have had on the African Child, please visit hacey.org.

Written By:

Michael Adegboye and Mercy Kalu

The post International Day of the African Child:  HACEY joins the world in Eliminating Harmful Practices Affecting Children appeared first on HACEY.

Even though the grieving process is unique to each individual, the various expressions of grief that follow the death of a child generally share the same common denominators of excruciating pain and anguish.

How can you learn to deal with the feelings of rage, grief, and pain that you are experiencing after the death of your child? And, will you ever be able to recover from this? As you try to make sense of your loss, these are the kinds of questions that are sure to come up in your head.

When you are grieving the loss of a baby at or before birth, you will need to pay immediate attention to a number of different things, as if dealing with this devastating news wasn’t enough. This article will shed light on some essential information regarding miscarriage and stillbirth that you should be aware of.

After going through the trauma of a miscarriage or a stillbirth, you may look for answers as to why you were unable to have a child. It’s possible that you’ll start questioning everything about your lifestyle, from the way you eat and sleep to the manner in which you breathe, all in an effort to ensure that your unborn child receives the highest possible amount of oxygen. It is imperative that you keep in mind not to be hard on yourself about it and to stop trying to assign blame in situations in which you have no control.

There are many different reasons why a woman might miscarry, and these reasons can vary from woman to woman as well as from one pregnancy to the next. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to this condition, including hormonal imbalances, the mother’s age when she became pregnant, traumatic experiences, and an unhealthful lifestyle, such as excessive consumption of caffeine and smoking. There isn’t always an explanation as to why a woman will have a miscarriage or lose a child while it’s still developing inside of them.

You should give some thought to maintaining a memory box in which you store all of the unique mementos of your pregnancy and your child’s early years. Consider including a copy of any sonograms or other ultrasound imaging in the package if you have had any of these procedures done. It is important to acknowledge both your baby and your loss in order to be able to successfully work through the grieving process as the weeks and months pass by after the death of a loved one.

Be assured that you are not the only person going through this, as the experience of having a miscarriage is unique to each person. There are a lot of women who have been through this kind of loss, and listening to their personal stories of love, loss, and bereavement can help you through the process of healing.

Some women are able to recover from the effects of this kind of loss with less work than others, but all of them will have deeper wounds. If you are struggling with feelings of profound loss and despair, one option you should consider is joining a support group with other people who have been through the experience of losing a child at or before birth.

The purpose of attending a support group is not to diminish the unique grieving process that you are going through, but rather to facilitate the formation of meaningful connections with others who can empathize with your situation. There is absolutely no justification for grieving on one’s own. You can become a lifeline for one another as you share in one another’s losses and talk openly about the child that you yearned for but did not end up having along the way. Hacey is working hard to make sure that pregnant women and women in general have access to comprehensive support for their health.

To learn more about our Maternal Health project visit www. hacey.org

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post Dealing With The Loss Of A Child appeared first on HACEY.

People who have been through traumatic events such as rape or sexual assault can find themselves feeling confused, vulnerable, ashamed, and isolated as a result of these experiences. Unbelievably, it takes place more frequently than most people would think it would.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every five women will, at some point in their lives, be the victim of sexual assault, which is typically carried out by a person they are familiar with and can put their trust in. It is possible for men and boys to be victims of sexual assault as well.

People lose their sense of safety and security when they are subjected to sexual violence or rape, regardless of their age or gender. As a direct consequence of this, it is not unusual for individuals who have been the target of an attack to struggle with trust. They may even begin to question their judgement, their sense of self-worth, and even their sanity as a result.

Relationships do not feel secure any longer for rape victims and intimacy appears to be extremely difficult for them. In addition to this, they may tell themselves lies about who they are and engage in behaviors such as self-hatred and self-blame.

Remember that what you are thinking, feeling, and experiencing is a normal reaction to the trauma that you have experienced. This is especially important if you have been the victim of sexual assault or another violent act. And remember, despite how challenging things may appear to be right now, there is always cause for optimism.

You are able to reclaim your feeling of security. You are capable of regaining your trust. And perhaps most importantly, you have the ability to recover and continue living your life. 

Assuming the event occurred not too long ago, the first thing you should do is examine your current state of safety. Depending on where you are, you might want to go to the home of a friend or find someone who can assist you in a public place to take you to nearby hospital. 

Despite the fact that what occurred to you is illegal, you are not required to report it to the police unless you choose to do so on your own volition. You have complete and total control over this matter.

On the other hand, some of the survivors claim that by filing a report, they were able to regain the feeling that they were in control of their lives. If you do make the decision to report what took place, you might find it helpful to bring a close friend or family member with you for moral support.

We support girls and women Through our projects and we join them to say no to rape. Visit hacey.org for more information on our work!

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post Dealing With Rape As a Victim appeared first on HACEY.

The majority of a person’s saliva is made up of water. It is essential for the process of breaking down solid food and maintaining the health of your mouth. Increase the amount of water you drink if you notice that your mouth is drier than usual. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you should see a doctor.

Keeping yourself hydrated is absolutely necessary if you want to keep your normal body temperature. Our bodies lose water when we sweat, and in hot environments. Sweating helps to keep our bodies at a comfortable temperature, but if we don’t replace the water that we lose, our core temperatures will rise. Dehydration is brought on by a lack of water, which, in turn, brings about a reduction in the levels of electrolytes and plasma.

Maintaining a healthy level of cognitive function requires that you drink enough water. Research has shown that drinking too little water can have a negative effect on our ability to concentrate, remain alert, and remember recent events. Our tissues, spinal cord, and joints all benefit from water’s ability to lubricate and cushion them. This not only enables us to engage in more physical activity but also lessens the pain that is associated with conditions such as arthritis.

Sweating, passing urine, and having healthy bowel movements all require water for our bodies to function properly. To replace the fluids that are lost through sweating, each of us needs to drink water. Having healthy stools and avoiding constipation both require adequate amounts of water in our systems. Consuming an adequate amount of water facilitates improved kidney function, which in turn reduces the risk of developing kidney stones. It is absolutely necessary to consume a sufficient amount of water while exercising, taking part in sports, or even just being active in general. Keeping ourselves hydrated has an impact not only on our physical strength but also on our power and our endurance.

Consuming water helps to speed up the body’s metabolic process. Our levels of energy have increased as a direct result of this boost.  The condition known as dehydration occurs when the body is deprived of water in sufficient quantities and because water is essential to the proper operation of a wide variety of bodily functions, dehydration can be an extremely hazardous condition to be in. Even leading to fatal consequences. Extreme dehydration can have serious consequences, including the following; an enlargement of the brain, kidney failure and seizures.

In order to avoid becoming dehydrated, you should make sure to drink enough water to replace the fluid that is lost through sweating, urination, and bowel movements. It should come as no surprise that maintaining an adequate level of water in your body is essential to the function of almost every part of it. Keeping up with your recommended daily intake will not only assist you in keeping up the good health that you already have, but it also has the potential to improve your health in the long run. The amount of water you need to drink will vary depending on the climate and environment in which you live, the amount of physical activity you engage in, and whether or not you are afflicted with an illness, condition, or any other type of health problem

The following are some of the ways you can ensure that you get enough water in your diet:

• Always remember to bring a bottle of water with you wherever you go. You should continue taking sips from it whenever the urge strikes you.
• Keep a log of how much water you drink. Make sure that you get the recommended amount every day, which is at least fifty percent of your body weight measured in either ounces or milligrams.

HACEY is aware of the vital role that water plays in maintaining life, for this reason, our clean water project is always having a great impact on communities, children, and adults, allowing them to have a better chance at maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Hacey.org provides you with additional details about our clean water project.

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post Shocking Facts About How Much Water We Use appeared first on HACEY.

It is actually quite common for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to not come forward with their experiences. An analysis of previous research on sexual abuse found that “significant proportions of adults have never disclosed” their own histories of sexual abuse and that “significant numbers of children do not disclose experiences of sexual abuse until adulthood.”

People keep secrets for a variety of reasons, including embarrassment over what took place, concern that the abuser will seek revenge in some form, a desire to shield a member of their family, and even uncertainty regarding the veracity of their memories and whether or not the abuse ever took place. The unfortunate reality is that the younger a child was when the abuse occurred and the closer their relationship was to the offender, the less likely it is that the child will come forward with their story. If you haven’t told anyone about the abuse, you have nothing to feel guilty or bad about. Every survivor faces the difficult decision of whether and when to disclose their experience.

Disclosing something is typically not a straightforward process that takes place all at once. It is a complicated process that typically entails making a series of partial disclosures to individuals in order to gauge their responses to information and determine whether or not it is secure to reveal further details. Many people who have survived traumatic experiences have said that the “emotional and cognitive processes involved in the decision to disclose, are overwhelming.” If any of these are questions that you are pondering at the moment, you should know that you are not the only one.

We are aware that even considering disclosure can be nerve-wracking. As a point of fact, it may appear to be impossible. On the other hand, there are some potential benefits that could come to you while you are on your journey to healing. Remember the backpack that blended incompletely? Sharing your experience of abuse with others can help you feel less burdened by it. When people are able to put themselves in your shoes, they are better equipped to offer assistance.

Keep in mind that your story is important and that your story is uniquely yours. Disclosure may result in benefits; however, it is important to do so at the appropriate time. Disclosure of abuse puts one in a position of vulnerability; therefore, it is important to confide in people you can trust. You do not have any influence over how other people will react to what you say to them, but you can surround yourself with family and friends who will love and support you.

In the end, the choice of who to tell and how much to say is entirely up to you, and it is critical that you give careful consideration to both of these questions. When you bring your story out of the shadows and into the light, being thoughtful and purposeful about what you share with others can help you open a new door on your path to healing. This can happen when you take your story out of the dark and shed some light on it.

Through our youth amplify project, HACEY is consistently having an impact in the fight against sexual abuse by educating young people about their sexual rights and the services available to them. For further information, please Visit hacey.org.

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post Child Abuse: Speaking Up Is Not A Crime appeared first on HACEY.

Gestational diabetes in pregnancy is a condition in which your blood sugar levels rise dramatically while you are expecting a child. There are two types of gestational diabetes: A1and A2. Diet and exercise can help women with class A1 manage their condition. Insulin or other medications are required for those who have A2 diabetes.

After giving birth, gestational diabetes is no longer a problem. However, it has the potential to harm your baby’s health and increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. You can take steps to ensure that you and your child remain healthy.

Women with gestational diabetes typically do not experience any symptoms or may mistakenly attribute them to pregnancy. The majority of people find out they have it during a routine screening.

Your thirst may be greater than usual, your hunger may be greater than usual, and you may eat more than usual. You may also notice that you pee more than usual.

When you eat, your pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that aids in the movement of a sugar called glucose from your bloodstream to your cells, where it is converted to energy for your body. During pregnancy, your placenta produces hormones that cause glucose to build up in your bloodstream, leading to gestational diabetes. Usually, your pancreas can produce enough insulin to keep up with your needs. However, if your body is unable to produce enough insulin or if it ceases to use insulin as it should, your blood sugar levels will rise, and you will develop gestational diabetes.

Pregnancy-related diabetes is more likely to occur; if you were overweight before becoming pregnant; have blood sugar levels that are higher than they should be but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes (this is called prediabetes). when you have a family member who has diabetes or has had gestational diabetes in the past might put you at risk. Having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or another health condition linked to problems with insulin is also a factor. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or other medical conditions can put you at risk as well.

Having gestational diabetes requires treatment as soon as possible in order to maintain you and your baby’s health throughout the course of your pregnancy and childbirth. If you have diabetes, your doctor will instruct you to check your blood sugar levels four or more times per day, check your urine for ketones, which are chemicals that indicate that your diabetes is not under control, consume a healthy diet, and engage in regular physical activity. Your doctor will keep track of your weight as well as the development of your child. They may prescribe insulin or another medication to you in order to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Consume a nutritious, low-sugar diet and consult with your doctor to ensure that you are getting the nutrition you require. Follow a meal plan designed for people with diabetes, such as:

• Substitute natural sugars such as fruits, carrots, and raisins for high-calorie snacks such as cookies, candy, and ice cream. Vegetables and whole grains should be included, and portion sizes should be observed.

• Eat three small meals and two or three snacks throughout the day at the same times every day, if possible.

• Carbohydrates should account for 40% of your daily calories, with protein accounting for 20%. The majority of the carbohydrates should be complex, high-fiber carbohydrates, with fat ranging between 25 and 40% of the total carbohydrate intake.

• Aim for between 20 and 35 grams of fiber per day. Consuming whole-grain breads, cereals, and pasta, as well as brown or wild rice, oatmeal, and vegetables and fruits, will assist you in reaching your goals.

• Try to keep your total fat intake to less than 40% of your daily calorie intake. Reduce the amount of saturated fat you consume to less than 10% of your total calorie intake.

• Consume a variety of foods to ensure that you receive adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. It is possible that you will require a supplement to cover all of your bases. Inquire with your doctor about whether or not you should take one.

Maintain your physical activity throughout your pregnancy. When you have gestational diabetes, you can exercise as long as your doctor gives you the green light. Being physically active can assist you in controlling your blood sugar levels. Maintaining a healthy weight while pregnant is also beneficial for your posture and can help you avoid some common problems such as backaches and fatigue. As soon as possible, get involved in the community. On most days of the week, try to get in 30 minutes of moderate activity. Running, walking, swimming, and bicycling are all excellent exercises.

If you and your doctor keep your blood sugar under control while you have gestational diabetes, your baby will almost certainly be healthy. Doctors will examine your newborn immediately after birth to determine his or her blood sugar level and if it is too low, they may need to administer glucose intravenously until it returns to normal.

Pregnancy with gestational diabetes increases the likelihood of having a baby that is larger than normal. It has also been linked to jaundice, a condition in which the skin appears yellowish. Jaundice usually disappears within a few days of receiving treatment. Despite the fact that your child will be more likely than other children to develop type 2 diabetes later in life, leading a healthy lifestyle (including a nutritious diet and plenty of physical activity) can help to reduce this risk.

For more information on our maternal health programs, please visit hacey.org.

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post Gestational Diabetes: Important information for pregnant women appeared first on HACEY.

 If the assailant has used violence during the assault, these may be immediately apparent, and you may require immediate hospitalization. However, it is also important to consider physical consequences that may occur in the future, such as the possibility of sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.

Initially, many people experience feelings of shock and emotional numbness after being raped, which can last for days or even weeks. Many people initially experience a sense of calm and detachment from what has occurred. The fact that survivors are not distraught immediately after an assault may surprise friends, family, and professionals who are used to seeing survivors in such a state. Disassociation, on the other hand, is a natural defense mechanism that is perfectly normal. Ordinarily, after a couple of days or weeks, you will begin to experience a variety of other emotions such as anger, fear, and shock.

Fear can be associated with a variety of situations, depending on the situation you find yourself in. Your physical safety may have been threatened during the assault, and you may be apprehensive about telling authorities because you are concerned about the consequences of doing so. You may also be reluctant to tell friends and family for fear of upsetting them about what has happened. If you know the assailant or if he knows where you live, you may be concerned about the possibility of further violence. You might be concerned about becoming pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Later in life, you may be concerned about your ability to be in an intimate or sexual relationship with someone.

The majority of these fears are completely normal and common, and with enough time and support, they can be overcome. It will be beneficial to discuss them with a friend or a counselor.

A significant number of people who have experienced sexual assault are embarrassed or ashamed of what has happened to them. Given that most of us find it difficult to talk about personal matters with others, it should come as no surprise that you may find it difficult to discuss what has happened with strangers or even friends. In these situations, it is sometimes more convenient to speak with someone on the phone, who should be able to move at your pace and answer your questions.

After being raped, it is common to experience feelings of guilt. Some of you may believe that you could have done something to prevent the attack; particularly if you know the attacker, may believe that you ‘provoked’ the rape in some way. Remember, rape or sexual assault is never your fault – young girls and women as old as 80 years old are raped on a regular basis. Raping men have complete control over their actions, and you have the right to refuse sex no matter what you wear, what you drink, or your relationship with the assailant.

sexual violence can disrupt your normal daily routine as well as many other aspects of your existence. You may have a strong desire to get away from everything and to make significant changes in your life. Your first and foremost concern should be your sense of security. Make whatever adjustments are necessary to reclaim your sense of security and well-being. Install extra outside lights, leave the interior lights on, install an alarm system, invite friends or family members to stay over, purchase hand-held alarms, and so on to protect your home and family. It is not absurd to want to protect oneself from harm. Do whatever makes you feel most comfortable and secure at the time.

If you are dealing with or recovering from a major trauma or emotionally charged event, depression is a normal part of the healing process. Being physically and mentally exhausted from dealing with the memory of an assault as well as the events that follow (such as going to the police, telling friends and family, going to court, and having medical examinations, among other things) is not uncommon.

Recurrent dreams and nightmares: As your brain attempts to process, understand, and recover from what has happened, you may have recurring dreams and nightmares. All of this is normal, and the nightmares should become less frequent as time progresses. Talking about your dreams with someone you trust will be beneficial. It may not completely eliminate the dreams, but it will make them appear less powerful and overwhelming. At this point, you need all the information you can get on your sexual and reproductive health and right. Hence visit Hace.org for more information on our Youth Amplify Project.

Also Read: sexual-assault-safety-while-traveling

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post Rape’s Harmful Effects On Women appeared first on HACEY.

Let’s look at Grace’s story (real name withheld). At 17, Grace got admission to the great University of Lagos to study Medicine & Surgery. Grace was excited to move with her Uncle in Lagos, away from her parents, because she heard Lagos was fun. Uncle Gbade, a single working-class man who lived in a rented apartment, was happy to receive Grace. However, two weeks upon arrival, the COVID-19 lockdown was announced, and Grace and Uncle Gbade were locked in the apartment. 

One day, while Grace was making dinner for the two of them, Uncle Gbade walked behind and started caressing her. Grace became uncomfortable and warded him off, but Uncle Gbade wouldn’t desist from her. He eventually raped her several times.

Grace found out she was pregnant three weeks later and didn’t know what to do. She was ignorant about her sexual and reproductive health rights. She finally decided to tell Uncle Gbade about the growing pregnancy. Uncle Gbade would not take it, and he took her to a quack doctor who attempted to remove the fetus. Grace lost her life in the process as a result of ignorance. If she knew better, she would have done better.

Twenty-five years after the (ICPD) 1994 aimed at addressing issues of human rights, population, sexual and reproductive health, many challenges still remain. Too many young people are being left behind on intimate partner or sexual violence.

A range of social, cultural, political, and economic factors and inequalities strongly influences an adolescent’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH). For example, family planning information and services are often tailored specifically for married women. When a young woman asks questions about SRH, she is often frowned at and perceived as promiscuous or immoral.

These factors increase vulnerability to SRH risks (e.g., unsafe sex, sexual coercion) and pose barriers to accessing SRH services. 

Globally, young girls and women have been at the receiving end of the unprecedented challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presented. Like many other services, the availability and accessibility to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services were impacted negatively, causing distress, anxiety and fear among women and girls. 

“During the COVID-19 lockdown in April, May and June 2020, there was a reduction in uptake of family planning services compared to January, February and March when there was no restriction”. – Reports from Adolescent and Youth-friendly centres in Lagos State.

Conclusively, in addressing the underlying determinants of the Adolescent and Young people’s sexual reproductive health and rights, it is imperative to work with various stakeholders such as parents, community members, and policymakers. Also, it is a matter of urgency that every nation promotes the digitalization of their health system. This will ensure that everyone has unlimited access to health information and services irrespective of their location, especially in the event of another global epidemic. 

Sexual Right is a Human Right! 

ICPD – International Conference on Population and Development.

Written by Kemi Omole.

Edited by Tomiyin Ayibiowu.

The post The Role of Stakeholders In Improvement of Young People’s Awareness of Sexual and Reproductive Health appeared first on HACEY.

Leaving had never been an option for Maria, especially not in this part of the world; leaving one’s family is like a stigma, a stain not easily washed off even with the thickest bleach. Yes, she loves her children and has endured all the abuse and shame her husband has meted out to them, but now she has to do what is right for herself – put herself first! Because even to love her children, she has to be alive.

As in the case of Maria, several factors such as culture, religion, and social norms play a significant role when it comes to deciding whether or not to leave an abusive marriage. Unfortunately, most women like Maria tend to silently endure the abuse inflicted by their husbands because of society talks, stigmatization, hunger, fear of being single parents, low self-esteem crippled due to their many years of battering.

Maria had everything good going on for her; a graduate of Chemical and Polymer with a booming career in the manufacturing industry. However, she became a stay-at-home mother out of respect for her husband and love for her children. Maria never imagined she would be a victim of gender-based violence, as all Tade showered her with was love and roses. 35% [1] of women worldwide have already experienced some form of sexual and gender-based violence in their lifetime, and in a crisis setting, an increase to more than 70% [2] – World Health Organization. 

The change in Tade’s attitude began when he started complaining and shouting about trivial issues such as (serving his food in one bowl and requesting monthly family upkeep). Through all the consistent arguments and Tade’s harsh words, Maria remained loyal. But one day, Maria reached her breaking point.

The family, cultural and social authority given to men over women and children in Africa, especially in Nigeria, is one factor that promotes GBV. The awareness rate of GBV cases in Nigeria is low as both the victim and the abuser have little or no knowledge that this is a crime punishable under the law. Because of this, victims think they have no option other than to endure the abuse. Still, gender-based violence transcends the abuse as it hurts the emotional, physical, and psychological wellbeing of a woman, and as for society, it forms a never-ending cycle.

Should Maria have continued to keep quiet, despite Tade’s nagging anytime she requests money? Should she have played the loyal and obedient wife when Tade decided to cut in half the family upkeep allowance without discussing it with Maria? Should Maria have kept quiet and continued to respect her husband when he abused her emotionally and physically? NO! Maria finally spoke up by questioning Tade on his actions, which led to a brutal physical impact from Tade. 

A study result showed that 28% of Nigerian women aged (25-29) have experienced some form of physical violence since age 15, of which 44% are divorced and widowed women, while 25% of married women have experienced violence.

This result proves that some communities in Nigeria have an undocumented rule favouring a man’s disrespect against a woman, especially when the woman is his wife or daughter. Examples of the most common acts of gender-based violence against women in Nigeria include sexual harassment, rape, physical violence, traditional practices, emotional and psychological violence, and socio-economic violence. Survivors of these acts of violence face immense shame, stigmatization from family and the general public, making the husband a victim instead of the woman. 

With all of these allegations against GBV, the government should pay victims more attention by raising awareness on Gender-Based Violence. The government should educate people on their rights to report any form of violence and provide shelters for survivors. Reported cases should be based on strict confidentiality, and quality health clinics should be accessible at all times.

To reduce the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria and help victims, HACEY Health Initiative has worked with significant community stakeholders, health workers, service providers, and the public defender’s office to reduce the rate of GBV in underserved communities. In addition, we have worked with UNFPA, an organization whose goal is to reduce GBV, to implement the “COVID-19 and GBV” project. This project aimed to address the negative impact of COVID-19 in society, as the pandemic contributed to an increase in Gender-Based Violence in many families. This project reached 22 Primary Health Centers, six communities, 2 Local Government Areas and trained over 120 youths, 60 community leaders, 44 health workers, and 50 significant stakeholders to improve GBV reporting in Lagos State.

References

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women
2. https://www.actionaid.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/actionaid_policy_report_on_the_frontline_catalysing_womens_leadership_in_humanitarian_action.pdf

The post Gender-Based Violence: Its Cultural, Religious and Social Effects. appeared first on HACEY.

It has both short and long term consequences for women’s physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health and individuals may be stigmatized and ostracized by their families. Violence, ranging from sexual, emotional or psychological violence, is often experienced at home by young women and girls and the fact that violence has been accepted as a ‘private affair’ often stops other people from intervening and disallows girls and young women from reporting cases of violence.

Girls can experience violence in schools ranging from bullying, sexual harassment and intimidation and this can affect girls’ ability to continue and complete their education especially when the violence is committed by those in positions of care or authority. Violence against women and girls is also common in cities, even rural areas, during emergency situations and even in online spaces, it is a rising issue as girls and young women report harassment and abuse and as such girls are pressured to leave online platforms or self-censor in order to avoid abuse. The fear and threat of harassment and violence confine the capacity of girls to lead a free and full life.

Globally, 35% of women have been estimated to experience either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner at some point in their lives. Studies have shown that women who experience physical or sexual intimate partner violence report higher rates of depression, having an abortion and acquiring HIV, compared to women who have not been violated in their lives. Evidence has also shown that men who experienced their fathers using violence against their mothers and those who experienced some forms of violence in their homes as children are more likely to be perpetrators of intimate partner violence in their adult relationships (UN WOMEN, 2018).

Globally, about 15 million adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 have experienced forced sex in their lifetime (UNICEF 2017).

It is estimated that of the 87,000 women who were killed internationally in 2017 worldwide, 58% of them were killed by intimate partners or family members. Also, 71% of all human trafficking victims detected globally were adult women and girls and almost 75% of trafficked women and girls are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Sexual violence occurs in every part of the world, but the prevalence and risk are higher in places where violence is normalized and places where rigid concepts of gender exist. Some cultures accept violence against women and girls as a social norm, this must be addressed as a matter of urgency. Girls must never be held accountable for the violence that happens to them as it is the exclusive responsibility of the perpetrator who must be apprehended according to national or international legislation. The fear or threat of violence must be addressed and should not restrict girls from living free and full lives or from realizing their full potential.

Violence is not a private matter, therefore, it must be reported in order to correct it. Evidence has shown that less than 40% of women who experience violence seek the help of any sort, among those who do, most of them seek help from family and friends and very few seek help from formal institutions and health services (UN WOMEN, 2018).

To end sexual violence, there is a need for actions at all levels: public enlightenment is very important in order to change behavior, beliefs, and value system of people. This will also extend to education at schools, social clubs, cultural group gatherings to challenging social norms that condone violence or impose gender roles, churches, mosques and even through the media to demystify the myths about sexual violence; educating the girl child, strengthening legislation that criminalizes violence, putting an institutional framework  to deal with cases of violence comprehensively and prosecute perpetrators, encouraging victims/survivors of violence report cases of violence by eliminating the blame, shame and stigma they face and also making the services available freely, children must begin to learn about gender equality at schools from a tender age, promote and strengthen values that support non-violent, respectful, nurturing, positive, gender-equitable relationships for all children and adolescents, including the most vulnerable and excluded.

As it is often said that ‘prevention is better and cheaper than cure’ it is important to prevent sexual violence before it occurs by changing the environments and making it safer for women, changing behaviors/attitudes or even building the skills and knowledge of individuals will go a long way in preventing violence. It is also important for victims of sexual violence to seek help in order to prevent its consequences and ensure that violence does not occur again or intensify.

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