Breaking the Culture of Silence: Soroptimist Nigeria Leads the Charge Against Gender-Based Violence

By VICTOR UDOH

As the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Soroptimist International Nigeria Association (SINA) is shining a light on the darkest corners of Nigerian society, where gender-based violence has become a pervasive and entrenched problem.

For too long, the culture of silence has allowed this scourge to fester, with devastating consequences for women and girls. But SINA is determined to break this silence, and to mobilise a movement that will bring about real and lasting change.

According to Mrs. Abiola Agusto-Agoro, president of SINA at a briefing in Lagos, “Gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue, it’s a human rights issue. It’s a problem that affects us all, and it’s a problem that requires a collective solution.”

SINA’s approach is multifaceted, involving education, advocacy and community mobilisation. The organisation is working with schools, community groups and local leaders to raise awareness about the issue, and to promote a culture of respect and equality.

But SINA is not just stopping at awareness-raising. The organisation is also working to provide support and services to survivors of gender-based violence, including counseling, medical care and legal assistance.

As part of its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, SINA is calling on all Nigerians, particularly the political class to join the movement to end gender-based violence. The organisation is encouraging people to wear orange, the colour of the campaign, to show their support for the cause.

“We want to create a sea of orange across Nigeria,” said Mrs. Agusto-Agoro. “We want to show that we will no longer tolerate this violence, and that we will work together to create a safer, more just society for all.”

SINA’s efforts are already bearing fruit. The organisation has established a network of safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence, and has provided training and support to hundreds of community leaders and activists.

But despite this progress, there is still much work to be done. Gender-based violence remains a pervasive problem in Nigeria, and it will take a sustained and collective effort to eradicate it.

Mrs. Akerele Igboyin, past president of Soroptimist International Apapa, agrees with this submission. She emphasized that Soroptimist International has been working tirelessly to promote the aspirations of women and girls, and to create a world where they can live without fear of violence. “Education remains a woman’s core inheritance,” she warns.

Catherine Nwajei Adeniyi, public relations officer of SINA, highlighted the challenges of addressing gender-based violence in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. She emphasized the need for collective action and the importance of reporting violence to the appropriate authorities.

“When making a report, first find out if the police station handles gender-based violence, as it’s not all police stations that handle such.”

As SINA leads the charge against gender-based violence, the organisation is sending a clear message: the culture of silence is over, and the time for action is now.

“We will not be silenced,” said Mrs. Agusto-Agoro. “We will not be intimidated. We will stand together, and we will fight for a world where women and girls can live without fear of violence.”

Soroptimist International, established in 1921, is committed to making a difference in the lives of women and girls through education, skills acquisition and advocacy. It has 23 clubs spread across Nigeria.