Greetings to the good people of Rivers State and welcome to another episode of RivEthics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Please remember that violence begets violence and creates a vicious circle. Today’s episode is in commemoration of the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women coming up tomorrow, November 25th.
Globally, 35 percent of women have experienced either intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Violence against women and girls is a worldwide problem that crosses cultures, religions, regions and communities. It affects women and girls of all socio-economic backgrounds. It is not only a gross human rights violation, it is a public health epidemic and a major impediment to global development efforts to reduce poverty.
Violence against women and girls affects their educational opportunities and their ability to strengthen their skills and to grow within the workforce, and contributes to chronic illnesses, sometimes, even death. Violence against women and girls not only harms the individual, it has significant costs that have ripple effects throughout society. It poses a major burden on the health care system and social support services, the justice system, the business community, through loss of economic output, and expenditures for programs and services to prevent and respond to violence.
The statistics of violence against women and girls are staggering:
• Globally, as many as 38% of murders of women are committed by an intimate partner.
• 200 million women have experienced female genital mutilation/cutting.
• Violence against women is estimated to cost countries up to 3.7% of their GDP – more than double what most governments spend on education.
Failure to address this issue carries a significant cost for the future, as studies have shown that children growing up with violence are more likely to become survivors themselves or perpetrators of violence in the future.
Decreasing violence against women and girls requires a community-based, multi-pronged approach, and sustained engagement with multiple stakeholders.
Our Guest Speaker today is Mrs. Adata Bio-Briggs, Publicity Secretary of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Rivers State Branch. She will be sharing her insights on this very important topic. Please enjoy the episode.
Our great Rivers People, please remember to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families and God bless Rivers State.
From Her Excellency,
Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike,
The Wife of His Excellency,
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON. GSSRS. POS (Africa).
You can also listen to and download the Pidgin English version of this Episode below