Civil society organisations under the umbrella of Gender Updates – Nigeria, has called for the reinforcement of existing national laws aimed at tackling gender-based violence like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP Act) and the National Disability Act, following the death of the popular gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu who allegedly died as a result of domestic violence perpetrated by her husband, Peter Nwachukwu.
The CSOs in a joint statement issued in Abuja further stressed the need for proper allocation of funds that stand as a reflection of the structures and systems adequately designed to respond to gender-based violence in the country.
The statement added that the government needs to put in place a National Mandatory Policy that will ensure that all cases of domestic violence are accorded the utmost urgency that they deserve and are duly reported to the appropriate authorities.
The CSOs also commiserated with the family of Osinachi Nwachukwu and demands accountability and justice over her death, stating that several accounts from her family, neighbours, and colleagues have alluded to the hideous abuse she endured in silence in her marriage.
They commended the Nigeria Police for the arrest of Peter Nwachukwu and called for swift and diligent investigation and administration of justice over the death of Osinachi Nwachukwu.
“The death of Osinachi Nwachukwu is another sad reality of the persistent gaps and deep-rooted gender-based discrimination that continue to subject women to abuse and violence both publicly and privately.
“The perception that women are weak, vulnerable, and should be exploited is promoted by negative cultural norms, religious practices, economic and political conditions that continue to undermine the relevance of women and set the precedence for initiating and inflicting harm on them be it physically, emotionally, financially or sexually.
“We also commend the Minister of Women Affairs,Dame Pauline Tallen for her prompt response and call for concrete measures to prevent and combat domestic violence, protect and support victims, improve their access to justice, and to ensure better coordination of services between relevant authorities,” they said.
The statement was signed by Chinwe Onyeukwu for Women Africa, Uzoma Aneto, Nde Oduko Foundation (NDOF), Gloria Yakubu, Jen Initiative for Integrity and Development (JIID)Clara Jare, Zireenza Support Foundation (ZSF)Irene Ojiugo Patrick-Ogborgu, Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC)Ngozi Juba, Vision Spring Initiatives,Dr. Abiola Akiyode Afolabi, WARDC, Betty Abah, CEE-HOPE Nigeria, Mekwuye Margaret Olabisi, Greenspring Development InitiativeIrene Ndidi Ugbah, Crestville Development Foundation, Rabi Mohammed, Serving Charity Foundation.
Others are Duru Blessing for Alliances for Africa, Aji Robinson – Heal The Youth FoundationJoy Ogunsola – LA Vie Global Mission (LIWOM)Busola Babalola, Gender and Development Activist,Peter Eboatu, Reachout Initiative for Vulnerable African Women (RIVAW)Bose Ironsi, Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP)Louisa Eikhomun-Agbonkhese, Echoes of Women in Africa Initiatives (ECOWA)Uju Obiora – Gender & Development Practitioner Modupe Adelanwa SHIELD THEM SUPPORT ORGANIZATION Prof. Hauwau Evelyn Yusuf. Center for study and Resolution of Domestic Violence CERSDOV Lois Auta – Cedar Seed Foundation Network of Disabled Women,Alakija Ladapo Ibidunni,WLDCN.
Others are Duru Regina, Regy&Henry Amazing Grace foundation Linda Dooyum Kpum- Honorary Vice President, Republic of Women (The World’s First Digital Borderless State for Women)Osasu Edobor, Safe Space InitiativeDr. Veronica C Gabriel. Women Friendly Initiative (WFI)Carol Shalom of Christ City Global Outreach International (CCGOI).
Also, Roselyn Enobong Okon, SGBV Responder and Advocate for the vulnerable, Gender Concerns TalkshowOlubisi Yomi-Layinka Centre for Media Resources in Development (CEMERDEV)Dee Bucci Domestic Violence Advocate, United StatesAdaeze Oluwatimilehin for Triumphant Health and Development Initiative (THAD), Toyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo for Stop The Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation (STAF) and Gladys Nick Maduibuke of Scripture union West Africa (SUWA).