By Zainab Oyekan
Prof Oluwafunmilayo Para-Mallam, the National Coordinator of Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS), has called for immediate action to end the growing cases of sexual violence in conflict
Para-Mallam, a gender advocate, made the call in Jos on Thursday at an event to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflicts.
She described sexual violence as a humanitarian crisis that demanded urgent national attention.
“Sexual violence had become a weapon of war, with victims ranging from internally displaced women to young girls and persons with disabilities.
” The crisis has extended beyond rape to include physical, emotional, and socio-economic abuse driven by systemic patriarchy and worsening insecurity.
“The survivors of sexual abuse suffer lasting psychological scars including depression, suicidal thoughts, and societal rejection.
“Many victims face double tragedy when families disown them, and husbands divorce wives raped during captivity, leaving them re-traumatised and unsupported,” Para-Mallam said.
According to her, data from recent studies show that 95 per cent of victims are female, especially disabled women who are at greater risks.
She said shockingly, 82.3 per cent of perpetrators were known to survivors, including family members, teachers, and neighbours, highlighting how violence was thriving even in homes and schools.
Para- Mallam said urgent steps that could be taken to curb the menace included deployment of gender-responsive policing and women-led task forces in IDP camps.
She also suggested funding for women’s agribusiness to reduce poverty-driven trafficking and mass awareness campaigns to challenge patriarchal norms.
Lastly, Para-Mallam called for the creation of a centralised database to track and prosecute offenders of sexual violence. NAN
Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Nyisom Fiyigon Dore
