Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, emphasises the crucial role of education and healthcare in eradicating violence against women in society. Through his Media Aide, Mr. Michael Nwolisa, Obi articulated this stance in a series of tweets on his handle to commemorate the Global International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
He expressed, “Ensuring women have unrestricted access to quality education and healthcare is key to eradicating violence against them.”
“On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I stand against all forms of gender-based violence, particularly towards women, in our country,” Obi stated, aligning his voice with advocates for peace in society.
Highlighting disturbing statistics, Obi referenced reports from the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) indicating that a concerning number of Nigerian women have faced physical violence, with 1 in 3 experiencing it by age 15, as per the 2013 NDHS. Additionally, the 2019 Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics survey revealed that 30% of women aged 15–49 encountered physical violence, while a staggering 68% faced emotional, economic, or sexual abuse.
Recognising women’s political influence, Obi underscored their significant role in politics, noting their substantial contribution to voting numbers. However, he lamented that violence often impedes their participation, emphasising the need for adherence to lawful conduct within the political sphere.
Asserting that this trend of violence must cease, Obi stressed the importance of empowering Nigerian women to assume their rightful positions in society for collective national development. He advocated for granting them access to education and healthcare, two fundamental pillars crucial for the country’s advancement.
“To realise our vision of a New Nigeria free from violence against women, we must embrace a development approach that transcends gender biases. It requires a collective effort, with both men and women united in love, to propel our nation forward,” Obi concluded.
