The month of February is often regarded as the month of love but the continous incidence of femicide show that violence against women does not take a holiday. How can we reconcile this with the continued tragedy of gender-based violence as the reality of femicide continues to claim lives, a brutal counterpoint to what this month represents?
Just as the word explains itself, femicide is the killing of women and girls based on their sex and gender and this has continuously plagued communities all over the world. Women and girls are targeted because of gender inequality and marginalisation by their own families, partners and strangers and we are left to wonder if they will one day see a respite from this issue.
Underreporting and different definitions of what can be classified as femicide make it difficult to get accurate figures on femicide in Nigeria. This crime has continuously been a serious issue in the country and to address this issue, we created a monthly repository to document cases of femicide globally. We did this for one year (July 2023 – June 2024) and the statistics showed that we have a femicide problem on our hands which must be curbed in our societies.
This report will serve as a vital data repository, that helps create awareness on the extent of this societal issue. It underscores the urgency for comprehensive measures to combat this pervasive problem, pushing for increased awareness, intervention, and support for victims.
Our figures are obtained from meticulous Google searches with targeted keywords to gather verified information from news outlets, human rights groups, and trusted media. The numbers do not represent all femicide cases in Nigeria. However, they do illustrate the harsh realities that women encounter and the problems related to femicide. The numbers in our report show important statistics and urge the world to come together to protect those most at risk.
The question remains: When do women cease being victims of gender-based violence, regardless of age? Can they find justice even in the grave? Why do their perpetrators roam freely, unaccountable for their heinous actions even when evidence has been presented?
Ingrained patriarchal norms and inequality especially in a country like Nigeria contribute to the increasing rates of femicide worldwide. The United Nations grimly acknowledges that we are far from achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5) (on female equality and empowerment) as we approach the halfway mark in the race to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In 2018, one in every seven women (13 per cent of women aged 15 to 49) reported experiencing physical and sexual violence from an intimate partner or husband in the preceding 12 months.
In February, we found sixteen cases of femicide reported in the country. These incidents were reported in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra (3), Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Kwara (2), Lagos, Ogun and Ondo. Non-intimate partner violence was the highest reported case (50%) followed by intimate partner violence (37.5%) and domestic violence (12.5%). Intimate partner violence affected women whose aged 28-38 and non-intimate partner violence women and girls between the age of 7-74.
Emrich Effanga was strangled by her boyfriend Ndifreke Isaiah in Akwa Ibom State.
Uchenna Akujobi was beaten to death by her boyfriend Elvis Mbekwe in Ondo State.
A case of murder-suicide was reported in Ekiti where the victim reported as Tate was hacked to death by her husband Caleb who also killed himself.
Ugiagbe Osaiyekemwen Success Izekor was beaten to death by her husband Kelvin Osamede Izekor while she was pregnant with their first child.
Femicide in Nigeria is a serious issue that has to be addressed right away. We must create a culture where women are secure and valued by comprehending its underlying causes, realising its terrible impact, and implementing efficient prevention tactics. One of the most important things that can be done to promote awareness and encourage change is to keep reporting on occurrences of femicide, as demonstrated by our most recent report.
We must continue to speak up against femicide and ensure that our outrage translates to actions and implementation of policies that promote the safety of women all over the world.
Click on this link to view our femicide dashboard.
