…Demands stiffer penalties for women abusers
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Social crusader and Co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls Movement, Aisha Yesufu, on Friday stormed Umuahia, the Abia State capital, for an advocacy campaign on the rights of the girl child and to demand an end to gender-based violence.
Yesufu was among the guest speakers at a Girls’ Summit organised by the Protect the Precious Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that sensitises girls on their rights, how to resist violations, and ways to seek redress when abused.
Speaking at the well-attended summit, Yesufu urged girls never to allow their voices to be silenced but to resist all forms of violation.
She advised them not to die in silence but to speak out against any attempt to molest, dehumanise, or sexually abuse them.
Yesufu stressed the need to “empower girls, ensure that they own their voices, and have a space.”
“Over the years, we haven’t done well with our girls and women, and the country is actually bleeding because of that,” she lamented.
Arguing that women in leadership positions often perform better than their male counterparts, the social crusader advocated more leadership roles for women for the good of society.
She regretted that women were frequently denied opportunities to contribute meaningfully to governance.
“No matter how bad a man is, nobody ever says that a man cannot be President. But the moment a woman is running for the presidency, no matter how good she is, she’ll be told that a woman can never be President,” she said.
“So it’s not about women failing; it’s about women not being given the enabling environment — even in our homes, culture, and customs.”
Yesufu also demanded stiffer punishments for those who abuse women and girls.
“Rape can be stopped in society if it is treated as a serious crime. Right now, it’s often treated like a misdemeanour — somebody does it, and it’s really not a big deal. But it is a big deal.
“If you make it a crime, you punish the offenders; you don’t shame the victims. When we do that, we begin to put a stop to it.”
Also speaking, popular actress Hilda Dokubo accused the government of paying lip service to the protection of girls’ rights and the punishment of violators.
“Government is not yet addressing this issue. Until they begin to treat abusers as the criminals that they are, we will keep going through this over and over.
“If you treat criminals with kids’ gloves, they’ll keep acting with impunity.
“Acts like rape, abandonment, or depriving a widow of her rights should be unforgivable by law. But the system condones these things, making them look like nothing, thereby encouraging more abuse.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the President of the Foundation, Ms Nora Okafor, who gave the theme of the summit as “Finding Your Voice”, called for greater attention to issues affecting the girl child.
She said the summit was aimed at sensitising girls on how to overcome various forms of abuse and crimes against them.
The United Nations Ambassador noted that “too often, girls are silenced by fear, stigma, culture, and sometimes even by those closest to them,” but insisted that “silence is not strength; speaking up is!”
“We want every girl, regardless of background or circumstance, to be bold enough to speak when abused; brave enough to ask for help when overwhelmed; and empowered enough to dream beyond limitations,” she added.
In her remarks, the Abia State First Lady, Mrs Priscilla Otti, said her office had been vigorously tackling the scourge of gender-based and sexual violence affecting girls.
She promised to continue championing the rights and welfare of girls with unrelenting passion.
Mrs Otti noted that many girls and women had benefited from various empowerment programmes initiated by her office.
“We are resolute in our determination to create a safe and secure environment, and have therefore instituted robust policies and structures designed to drive meaningful change and safeguard the well-being of our girls.
“We want them to thrive and reach their full potential, free from fear and intimidation.”
Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adeze Emetu, the First Lady urged victims of abuse not to despair, assuring that her office would help them get justice.
She also encouraged girls to value their potential and never allow anyone to abuse or belittle them.
“Our amazing girls, you are the leaders of tomorrow, and I’m excited to see the impact you’ll make. You’ll break barriers, shatter ceilings, and defy expectations.
“You’ll be the change-makers, innovators, and voices for the voiceless. As you navigate the world, remember that you are precious, valuable, and worthy.
“Your body is yours. Your mind is yours. Your dreams are yours. Protect them fiercely and never give up on them.”
Commending the Foundation for its advocacy, Mrs Otti said, “We must collectively create a groundswell of momentum that enables our girls to discover their voices, speak truth to power, and claim their rightful place in society.”
Female students from various secondary schools across Abia State attended the summit.
Highlight of the event was the official launch of the “Mentor-the-Mentee Initiative,” designed to link girls across secondary schools in Abia — pairing older students with younger ones, and those with experience with those still finding their feet.
According to the Foundation, the goal of the initiative is to promote “accountability, support, and sisterhood.”
