The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman, has called for the imposition of capital punishment for rapists, describing it as a necessary step to curb the escalating violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
Speaking at a rally in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, to mark the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Minister stressed that stronger punitive measures are crucial in deterring such heinous crimes.
“This administration, under President Bola Tinubu, is committed to ensuring a safe society where women and girls can thrive and achieve their full potential,” Hajiya Suleiman stated.
Her remarks come as part of an ongoing national effort to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence, which has continued to plague Nigerian society.
The rally, which attracted a diverse crowd of women from various backgrounds, including those living with HIV and AIDS, took the form of a road walk through the bustling streets of Lafia.
Participants carried placards bearing powerful messages such as “Let the Girl Child Breathe,” “Violence Against Women Is a Crime Against Humanity,” and “Stop Abusing the Girl Child.”
The event was a call to action for stronger protection of women and girls, highlighting the importance of solidarity in the fight against gender-based violence.
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aishatu Rufa’i, also addressed the gathering. She echoed the Minister’s call for harsher penalties for perpetrators of gender-based violence, stressing the importance of vigilance from parents and guardians.
“Parents and guardians must remain vigilant to protect the rights of the girl child,” she said, while drawing attention to the troubling rise in cases of defilement in the state.
Hajiya Suleiman further emphasized the importance of unity among all stakeholders, including community leaders, civil society organizations, and government agencies, in combating gender-based violence.
“Collaboration is key to ending violence and fostering equality,” she asserted, underscoring the collective responsibility in the fight to protect women and girls.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, who was also in attendance, reiterated the commitment of the Nasarawa State government to strengthening the enforcement of laws designed to protect women and girls. “We will ensure these laws are not just on paper but fully implemented to protect our women and children,” Governor Sule affirmed.
He also praised the women’s groups for their tireless advocacy and resilience, recognizing their efforts as a testament to the power of collective action in effecting change.
As part of the event, empowerment items, toiletries, and cash were distributed to support women’s groups in the region. These donations aimed to provide practical assistance to women, reinforcing the message of empowerment and resilience in the fight against gender-based violence.
This year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” calls for continued global action to eliminate violence against women and girls by 2030.
