When Will Women Be Safe? – THISDAY Style

By Ayo Lawal

The recent tragedies involving Rebecca Cheptegei, Christianah Idowu, and Mercy Vangervihi have once again thrust into the spotlight the harrowing and pervasive issue of violence against women and girls. These cases are not isolated incidents but rather emblematic of a larger, systemic crisis that affects countless individuals worldwide.

Rebecca Cheptegei, a celebrated Ugandan Olympic athlete, was the victim of a horrific act of domestic violence. Her partner, in a moment of rage over a dispute, set her on fire, leading to her untimely death. This tragic event not only robbed the world of a talented athlete but also highlighted the extreme dangers women face in their own homes. Similarly, Christianah Idowu’s abduction and subsequent murder involved a chilling betrayal when her own WhatsApp account was manipulated to extort her family. Mercy Vangervihi, a 14-year-old girl from Ebonyi State, Nigeria, was brutally attacked and raped in her own home by a 15-year-old boy. Her home; this is supposed to be her safe haven. If a woman is not safe in her home, where then can she be safe?

A Disturbing Pattern

The violence faced by these women underscores a disturbing pattern: women are frequently attacked by people they know or trust. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 30% of women globally experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Alarmingly, in many cases, the perpetrators are intimate partners or acquaintances rather than strangers. This statistic highlights a grim reality: violence against women is not a random occurrence but often stems from relationships that should provide safety and support.

The Role of Perpetrators

It is crucial to understand that the responsibility for violence lies solely with the perpetrators; Victims of violence are NEVER to blame. We often leave these victims of Gender Based Violence to navigate a system that fails to adequately protect them. This societal tendency to overlook or minimise violence against women must change. Perpetrators need to be held even more accountable through rigorous legal frameworks and societal condemnation. The focus must be on changing attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence rather than placing undue scrutiny on the victims.

The Systemic Nature of Violence

The systemic nature of violence against women means that it is not merely an issue of individual bad actors but a reflection of broader societal failures. Cultural norms, gender inequality, and insufficient legal protections all contribute to an environment where violence against women can flourish. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal reform, education, and cultural change. Legal reforms are essential to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. Laws must be stringent and effectively enforced, and legal systems must be accessible and supportive of victims.

Education plays another critical role in changing societal attitudes toward violence. Programs that promote gender equality and respect can help to shift cultural norms and reduce the incidence of violence. Public awareness campaigns can shed light on the issue, while community programs can offer support and education. Additionally, support systems for survivors must be robust, providing immediate assistance and long-term support to help them rebuild their lives.

Our roles definitely go beyond typing “justice for xxxxxx” on our social media pages. We need to protect the women, PERIOD. To make meaningful progress towards ensuring women’s safety, there must be a collective effort from you, me, our communities, and the governments. Governments must prioritise the safety of women by enacting and enforcing strong legal protections, funding support services, and promoting policies that address the root causes of violence.

The tragic incidents of Rebecca Cheptegei, Christianah Idowu, and Mercy Vangervihi are sobering reminders of the urgent need for all of us to take action. To safeguard the rights and safety of women, we must recognise that violence against women is a systemic issue that demands a comprehensive response. Only through collective action and a commitment to change can we hope to create a world where women are truly safe and free from violence.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased woman and with Mercy who lies in a critical state at the hospital. #JusticeForRebecca #JusticeForChristianah #JusticeForMercy