From: Ruth Yarnap, Bauchi
Media have been called upon to advocate the establishment of referral centres and shelters for the rehabilitation of victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the country.
The call was made by a GBV expert, Mrs. Helen John during a one-day media round table in commemoration of 2021 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence organised by Plan International in collaboration with Bauchi state chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) with the theme “Change the World, Stop Gender-Based Violence,” at the NUJ secretariat, Bauchi.
She said that the media is key to contributing positively to GBV prevention through visible advertising solutions, informing policymakers and educating the public about legal rights, how to recognize and address GBV and providing information to survivors and the general public for prevention.
According to her, Bauchi state has its own share of the problem. According to NDHS 2018, 21.7% of women in the state experience physical abuse, 22.7% experience sexual abuse and 57. 3% experience emotional abuse from their partners or spouses. 74% of women in Bauchi did not seek help after violence. “This is very disturbing because of the undesirable impact ranging from physical injury, sexually transmitted diseases, mental health issues, unwanted pregnancy, abortion, miscarriage etc.,” she said.
Helen John explained that gender-based violence can occur everywhere – in the streets, at workplaces, in homes and communities, adding that both men and women have been survivors of gender-based violence which has great negative impact on the general wellbeing of victims.
The possible causes of GBV she said, are the norms granting men control over women, poverty, low socio-economic status, witnessing marital violence as a child, male control of wealth and decision making in the family and acceptance of violence as a way to resolve conflicts.
Others are being abused as a child, the notion of masculinity being linked to dominance, honor and aggression, rigid gender roles and the impact on gender- based violence.
She called on the media to champion the campaign against GBV in the country.
The expert then urged journalists to identify gaps in GBV response and bringing them to the attention of policy makers to be addressed.
