Is Gender Parity Progress Within Reach?
The commemoration of International Women's Day this past March held particular significance as it celebrated three decades since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Under the United Nations' theme "Rights. Equality. Empowerment."—which emphasizes progress toward women's rights—it serves not only to acknowledge achievements but also prompts serious consideration about the ongoing challenges needed to achieve full gender equality across various dimensions.
In Nigeria, gender-based violence continues to be one of the most significant societal issues, affecting countless women profoundly. Throughout the nation, people—especially females—are confronted daily with various manifestations of GBV along with deep-seated inequalities that fuel continuous abuse. However, the current data needed to gauge the extent of this problem, as well as the effectiveness of interventions aimed at addressing it, particularly within smaller regions, is still lacking.
Data is crucial for tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) because it illuminates the scale of the issue, points out deficiencies in response systems, and promotes responsibility among governments, civil societies, law enforcement agencies, and other pertinent entities. In the absence of accurate and complete data, efforts might miss their mark, funds could be misallocated, and tracking advancements becomes difficult.
Although national surveys offer an overview, they frequently fall short in capturing detailed differences across regions and states regarding the incidence of gender-based violence (GBV), the efficacy of responses, and the quality of support available to survivors. The absence of this specific data complicates efforts to create tailored strategies and interventions. However, gathering and documenting information at lower administrative levels presents numerous difficulties such as insufficient financial resources, societal taboos against disclosure, irregular documentation practices among police officers and medical professionals, and the lack of uniform methods for monitoring GBV incidents.
Each year, Invictus Africa releases the Womanity Index with funding from the Ford Foundation. This index tackles the lack of comprehensive data by gathering, analyzing, and utilizing statistics to evaluate government actions regarding effective gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and responses via 18 metrics spread over five categories: legislation and policy, judicial accessibility, supportive services, public knowledge and education, and financial allocations and expenditures. Data collection for this yearly research project is carried out by an extensive network of regional investigators—comprising individuals as well as grassroots organizations—that spans all 36 Nigerian states along with the Federal Capital Territory. By employing this localized methodology, the initiative ensures that detailed, regionally specific insights are captured, thus offering a precise portrayal of conditions at the local level.
According to the National Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2018, 31 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 49 reported experiencing physical violence since they were 15. In contrast, the 2024 Womanity Index, designed to provide a detailed overview of Nigeria’s efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) including advancements as well as ongoing challenges, shows an even grimmer scenario, indicating that 63 percent of those surveyed have encountered some form of GBV within the last five years. Among these cases, domestic and intimate partner violence was the most common type, affecting 46 percent of respondents, followed closely by physical abuse at 41 percent, psychological harm such as mental and emotional abuse impacting 35 percent, sexual assault accounting for 33 percent, financial coercion making up 25 percent, and finally, harmful customary and religious traditions contributing to 11 percent of incidents.
The 2024 Womanity Index report highlighted advancements as well as ongoing disparities in gender-based violence (GBV) interventions at the state level. Before delving into these achievements and shortcomings, it is crucial to comprehend how states receive their ratings through this index. States are awarded dual color-coded evaluations: one for overall standing, which reflects their cumulative score across various indices, and another set for individual scores within each of the five specific metrics measured. This evaluation framework aims to quantify efforts towards preventing and addressing GBV while also facilitating evidence-backed monitoring and analysis of trends over time. A blue rating signals that a state is "making strides," showing robust advancement toward established goals. A green mark represents a state that is "meeting standards" with notable but incomplete progress due to certain obstacles. An amber designation suggests that a state is "adapting gradually," slowly moving forward despite hurdles. Conversely, red marks indicate that a state is "facing difficulties," encountering substantial barriers that obstruct meaningful development.
The influence of evidence-based advocacy is evident through outcomes observed in various states. Generally, these show significant advancements in overall performance among different regions. Out of 36 states evaluated, three received a blue rating, eleven were marked as green, twenty were categorized as amber, and three obtained a red rating. For example: - In Katsina, they enacted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and set up a Sexual Assault Referral Center. - The Ministry of Women Affairs in Abia embraced an adapted version of Invictus Africa’s gender-sensitive budgeting framework tailored towards preventing violence against women. - Taraba instituted a specialized family court system. - Both Akwa Ibom and Yobe streamlined their versions of the VAPP law into vernaculars to boost community comprehension and application within rural areas. - Kano pioneered mobile tribunals focusing exclusively on cases involving sexual assault, appointing six judicial officers specifically trained for such matters, alongside allocating funds explicitly designated for combating gender-based violence in next year's fiscal plan. - Additionally, Niger broadened its initiatives addressing this issue by establishing two new centers offering comprehensive care services related to incidents of abuse and integrating specific financial provisions aimed solely at tackling gender-related assaults. These examples illustrate how targeted information gathering coupled with analytical insights can guide legislative actions effectively and bolster campaigns aiming to reduce incidences of domestic brutality significantly at regional levels.
In terms of regional performance across Nigeria’s six geopolitical areas, none received either a blue or red rating. Only two regions—the South-South and the South-West—were marked as green, whereas the rest—including the North Central, North-East, North-West, and South-East—received an amber rating. Despite significant advancements noted through the comparison between the 2023 and 2024 versions of the Womanity Index, recent figures indicate ongoing challenges. For example, several states continue to fall into the "red" category, with others slipping back from amber to red, and even those previously labeled green moving down to amber. This underscores how fragile improvements can be without consistent effort, strong leadership commitment, and robust oversight mechanisms.
To enhance data gathering and monitoring, multiple measures should be implemented. Local, state, and national governments need to allocate resources towards standardized and digitalized data recording processes that maintain uniformity throughout different regions.
Enhanced cooperation among police forces, medical professionals, and non-governmental organizations can improve the efficiency of reporting systems. Boosting public education programs will motivate victims to come forward with their experiences, thus decreasing underreporting caused by shame and concerns over potential reprisals. Moreover, federal and municipal authorities should provide specific funding for maintaining gender-based violence data gathering and evaluation, along with support for strategies based on empirical findings aimed at preventing incidents and responding effectively. Using statistical information and research outcomes makes campaigning endeavors stronger and more efficient, fostering significant societal transformation and legislative amendments.
Combating gender-based violence (GBV) necessitates a multifaceted and cooperative strategy. It is crucial for governments to commit to standardized data gathering, enhance collaborations with non-government organizations, and provide adequate funds for assistance programs aimed at survivors. As indicated by the Womanity Index, generating evidence plays a pivotal role in crafting impactful policies and campaigns. Tackling GBV effectively requires considering various dimensions such as economics, societal structures, culture, and pervasive issues like patriarchal dominance and disabilities rights violations. Religious figures, traditional authorities, and community leaders should take more responsibility in confronting damaging practices and endorsing beneficial ones instead. Furthermore, consistent financial backing from governmental bodies is vital to bridge funding deficits, broaden access to survivor aid services, and maintain robust preventive measures and responsive frameworks.
Are we moving forward? Yes, but cautiously. According to theWomanity Index report, various countries have taken steps toward implementing effective public policies to tackle gender-based violence (GBV), raising awareness within their communities, providing financial support, and securing legal recourse for victims of GBV. These successes highlighted here serve as an example of broader anti-GBV initiatives. Nevertheless, the report indicates that numerous nations still fall short, with just three states receiving top ratings across all categories in the Index.
Localized and context-specific information remains crucial for grasping the true nature of gender-based violence (GBV) and developing precise, impactful solutions. Instruments such as the Womanity Index aid not just in measuring advancements at the state level but also facilitate regular evaluations that promote responsibility and continuous enhancement. By emphasizing data collection, highlighting survivors' experiences, and pledging ongoing surveillance, we inch closer to achieving a Nigeria where all women and girls can thrive without fear of violence.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).