By Idayat Sanni
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains by far one of the most gruesome crimes rooted in cultural inequalities across Africa.
It spans across age, religion, culture, and social status and manifests in various social forms such as domestic abuse, sexual assault, forced marriages and female genital mutilation.
Despite progress in advocacy and legislation, many women continue to suffer in silence due to fear and entrenched cultural beliefs that normalize abuse.
At the heart of GBV lies a system that places men in positions of dominance and women in subordination.
In many societies, violence against women is so prevalent and normalized that people have become desensitized to the situation.
For instance, harmful practices like widowhood rites, child marriage, and female genital mutilation are still defended as ‘cultural heritage,’ even when they violate fundamental human rights.
The situation persists not only due to increased male violence, but due to women who enable male violence against other women, justifying it as the ‘supremacy’ of one gender over the other.
The message impacted into the younger generation is to remain within the confines of these harmful stereotypes and endure hardship.
Awareness is one of the most powerful tools in dismantling these barriers. Schools, religious institutions, and the media play a vital role in reshaping mindsets, especially among the younger generation.
Teaching boys to respect women and girls to assert their rights fosters an environment of mutual respect and accountability. Similarly, public campaigns that challenge harmful stereotypes can gradually weaken the social tolerance for abuse.
Legal reforms have also played a crucial role in the fight against GBV. Many African countries have enacted laws to protect victims. However, the challenge often lies in implementation.
Victims face numerous obstacles in seeking justice like inadequate police response and lack of shelter.
Governments must therefore strengthen law enforcement agencies, provide safe spaces for survivors, and ensure that justice is accessible to all, regardless of social or economic status.
Another crucial aspect is empowering survivors economically and socially. Many women remain trapped in abusive relationships because they lack financial independence.
Providing vocational training and psychological counseling can help survivors rebuild their lives and regain confidence.
Ultimately, breaking the silence on gender-based violence in Africa requires an effort from the governments, non governmental agencies, men and women alike.
It is not just a ‘women’s issue,’ but a human rights problem that affects the entire continent.
Every act of violence diminishes our humanity, while every act of resistance brings us closer to justice and equality.
To end gender-based violence, Africa must replace fear with courage and tradition with transformation. Only then can the continent embrace a future where every woman and girl lives in self respect.
