Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has demanded stricter laws and harsher sentences for those guilty of gender-based violence (GBV) and related offences.
Speaking at the inaugural Gender and Social Norms Summit in Abuja on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu expressed alarm at the rising number of reported rape cases and incidents of GBV.
“We must also develop state-specific action plans and promote the allocation of adequate resources in government budgets to support gender equality initiatives and GBV prevention programs,” Oluremi said.
“Each state has its own unique cultural, social, and economic contexts, and our plans must reflect this diversity.
“There must be improved legislation to give and enforce appropriate punishment for perpetrators of rape, sexual abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence who are dangerous and not deserving of roaming the streets.
“We have to speak not only firm and tough but act accordingly.”
The event, organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, brought together stakeholders including state governors’ wives to discuss strategies for tackling GBV and harmful practices.
Mrs Tinubu called on lawmakers and relevant authorities to ensure appropriate punishment for GBV offenders, emphasising the summit’s role in raising awareness and promoting effective prevention and response measures.
“Every single day, we hear about rape cases; even our babies are violated. Do we allow this trend to continue or do we look the other way?” she questioned.
“That is why I am calling on the law enforcement agencies, the inspector-general of police, the attorney general of the federation, and the chairman of the national assembly, who is the senate president, to appropriate and enforce stiffer laws and punishments to perpetrators of rape, sexual abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence.
“No guilty party should be allowed to go free and start roaming the streets looking for the next victim.”
Key government figures, including the ministers for education, justice, women’s affairs, and youth, pledged support for the First Lady’s initiative. They highlighted the importance of girls’ education, youth development, and women’s empowerment in reducing harmful practices.
UNFPA’s gender and female genital mutilation (FGM) analyst, Karima Bungudu, reported that nearly one in three women in Nigeria have experienced some form of GBV, with disabled women being particularly vulnerable.
The summit aims to foster collaboration between government bodies, civil society organisations, and international partners in addressing GBV and promoting gender equality across Nigeria.
