Just as the word explains itself, femicide is the killing of women for reasons other than their gender and is a widespread problem that plagues communities all over the world. These women are mostly targeted by their own families, partners and strangers and we are left to wonder if women 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.
The worldwide reporting was also used to develop a structure that will aid us in documenting cases in Nigeria and we were able to gather 52 cases of femicide that made its way to the news. 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 globally. 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 July and August, we found eight cases and three cases of femicide respectively. In July, we had cases reported in Abuja, Bauchi, Delta, Ekiti, Kano, Katsina, Lagos and Oyo, and in August we had cases reported in Enugu, Kaduna and Kwara. July had the most cases of intimate partner violence (75%) while August had only cases of non-intimate partner violence. Intimate partner violence affected women aged 20-34 and non-intimate partner violence and domestic violence affected women and girls aged 4-60.
The story of Olufunmilayo Mary-Anne Oluwawemimo a sickle cell warrior who had allegedly undergone years of domestic violence in her marriage was killed in her home shook the internet. Her death was written off as a haemorrhagic stroke due to sickle cell but her family are fighting for justice as all the facts they have presented allegedly point to her losing her life due to abuse.
Rabi Auwalu was found mutilated with her arms tied behind her back and the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested the perpetrator of the crime which was her ex-boyfriend Rabilu Hussaini and his friend Kamalu Maikudi.
Amdalat Afeez was killed by her boyfriend who she mostly interacted with on social media and had a long-distance relationship. She was killed because she refused to loan her boyfriend Bolarinwa Segilogbon two million naira.
Zinachukwu Ugwu a four-year-old girl and the youngest in our report was killed by her neighbour Nweke Chukwuemeka who is 30 years old. Her death was reported as a form of ritualistic killing.
Femicide in Nigeria is a serious issue that has to be addressed right away. We must endeavour to 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.
