FAME Foundation held a press conference on 23 September, 2024, at the FAME hub to confront the urgent and escalating crisis of femicide in Nigeria. The foundation highlighted the dangers faced by girl children, young women, and female adults in a society where femicide has become a pandemic, calling for an immediate state of emergency to address this critical issue. Victim-blaming must end, and collective action is imperative.
Femicide, defined as the intentional killing of women and girls solely because of their gender, is increasingly prevalent in Nigeria. This disturbing trend is rooted in ongoing patterns of violence against women, driven by deep-seated beliefs that endorse male control over females. The United Nations reported that over 89,000 women and girls were killed globally in 2022 and 2023. In Nigeria alone, a 2022 report indicated that at least 401 women lost their lives to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In Nigeria, many femicide cases remain concealed due to societal stigma, fear of retaliation, and shame experienced by the victims’ families. The reality is stark, as the Federal Government indicates that Nigeria has recorded 27,698 SGBV cases over the past three years. Recent cases vividly illustrate the grim reality: from the kidnapping and murder of Damilola by a 20-year-old undergraduate, to the dismemberment of Justina Nkang by her boyfriend, the frequency of gender-based violence is alarming.
FAME Foundation believes that it is essential to strengthen existing laws addressing SGBV and ensure their strict enforcement. Perpetrators of femicide must face swift and adequate punishment to deter future crimes. Breaking the silence surrounding femicide through public education programs that dismantle harmful gender stereotypes is vital to reducing this culture of violence. Engaging men and boys in discussions about gender equality and non-violence is crucial for changing the harmful norms that perpetuate femicide.
FAME Foundation calls upon the government, civil society organizations, parents, religious bodies, traditional leaders, and all citizens of Nigeria to unite in the fight against femicide. Silence is not an option while women and girls are brutally murdered. The foundation urges the government to strengthen laws related to femicide and ensure proper enforcement. Media organizations must raise awareness and challenge the harmful social norms that perpetuate this violence. Communities need to remain vigilant, support victims, and hold perpetrators accountable. Men, in particular, are encouraged to become allies in promoting gender equality and preventing gender-based violence.
FAME Foundation is actively raising awareness about the dangers of femicide and advocating for stronger legal protections for women and girls. Through its Advocacy Sensitization Program, the foundation engages communities across Nigeria in discussions about gender equality, respectful relationships, and the impact of violence. Collaborating with law enforcement and civil society organizations, FAME ensures that femicide cases are reported and thoroughly investigated. The foundation also provides a safe space for victims, supporting them in their journey for justice and accountability.
To effectively combat femicide, FAME Foundation is undertaking research to gather accurate data on femicide cases in Nigeria. This data will inform advocacy efforts and help develop targeted interventions to address the root causes of this violence.
The time to act is now. Every woman and girl deserves to live free from violence and fear. Together, we can put an end to femicide in Nigeria.