Rebecca Cheptegei’s recent death in Kenya is part of a broader, troubling trend of violence against women.
While her case highlights gender-based violence in athletics, it also shows how deep the issue of femicide is in Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
Nigeria, in recent months, has seen an alarming rise in cases of missing women, some of whom have been victims of gender-based violence.
Read more: https://arbiterz.com/olympic-athlete-rebecca-cheptegei-dies-after-petrol-attack-a-tragic-case-of-domestic-violence/
Femicide in Nigeria
Femicide—defined as the killing of women because of their gender—is an increasing issue in Nigeria.
The various forms of femicide include the murder of women due to intimate partner violence, misogynistic killings, and murders in the name of “honour.”
High profile cases have drawn public attention to the distressing frequency with which female partners are murdered by intimate partners, friends, and strangers.
Christiana Okechukwu, a student of FUNAAB, is a recent case.
The student went missing and was later found killed by her male friend.
Her death, among others, provokes public outrage and exposes, at the same time, a systemic gap in the protection of women.
Christiana’s case is far from isolated. In July 2023, over 10 women were reported missing within weeks in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.
In several cases, their bodies were later discovered, often showing signs of brutal violence.
Nigerian women face danger both in domestic spaces and in public life due to these strings of disappearance and murder.
Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria: The Data
Data from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), show 31% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence at least once since age 15.
Nigerian women and girls lost their lives in 2016 at a rate of roughly 5.7 per 100,000. This rate is more than twice the global average of 2.6.
The violence against women, particularly domestic violence, is also very underreported in Nigeria.
This is partly due to “cultural norms” that discourage women from speaking out.
Factors Contributing to Femicide in Nigeria
Several social, cultural, and economic factors contribute to the rise of femicide in the country.
Patriarchal norms remain deep in our society, with women often seen as subordinate to men.
This power dynamic is seen in both intimate partner violence and public assaults, where women are targeted simply for asserting their independence or challenging traditional gender roles.
Statements like “She’s a woman, she is not that smart” are regular sayings in the country with over 110 million women.
Economic insecurity also plays a role, as women who are financially dependent on their partners may find it difficult to leave abusive relationships.
In many cases, violence escalates over time, eventually resulting in murder.
The increasing media coverage of femicide in Nigeria has sparked nationwide debates on the safety of women.
Social media campaigns like #JusticeForUwa and #SayHerName have helped amplify the voices of victims and their families.
#Say Their Names.
Uwa Omozuwa, a 22-year-old university student, was brutally raped and murdered in a church in 2020.
Justina Otuene Nkang was killed by her boyfriend.
Precious Okeke, 24 years old, was killed by her boyfriend.
18-year-old Barakat Bello was raped and killed in her parents’ house in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Mercy Vangervihi, 14 raped and beaten by a 15-year-old boy.
Augusta Osedion was murdered by her boyfriend.
These are a few names among the many.
The Way Forward
What should be done to curb the menace of gender-based violence and femicide in Nigeria and other parts of the world includes, but is not limited to the fact that there should be:
- Stricter legal protection: There is a need for the full implementation of laws such as the Violence Against Persons Act, and Prohibition across the country, especially in rural areas where most women are still vulnerable.
- Public awareness campaigns: Efforts to bring cultural attitude changes in gender roles should be prioritized. Promotional campaigns on gender equality and condemning violence against women will change society’s view.
- Support Systems for Victims: Facilities like shelters, hotlines, and services should be made more accessible to victims of domestic violence. Women need a safe place to stay without fear.
- Educational Programs: Consent and respect for women should be taught to young men and boys, something quite essential in the prevention of further violence. Schools and communities should incorporate gender sensitivity training into their curriculum.
In the face of such losses, the world also needs to take action so that no more women become victims of the rampant problem of femicide.
