By Oluseye Akinwalere
Mrs Yinka Odedele has refused to back down from advocating for the fate of women despite what she herself experienced as a widow.
She she was made to face grueling tired and traditions that is the plight of women who have lost their husbands hence the family and community believe it’s time to subject this mourning women to more pain
But she has evolved from her experience and became a vocal advocate for women in the country as she strongly believes that no woman should be made to shave her head after the loss of her husband , no woman should be forced to marry her husband’s brother, no woman should be labeled a murderer for the death of her husband and no woman should endure violence of any kind.
Hence a need to delve into harmful practices still being recorded in some parts of the country as it is important to create a world where women are treated with dignity and respect.
Deep insights on Neuralink AI strengthen investment decision-making neuralink ai platformIt has been recorded for decades, harmful practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, forced child marriage, widow maltreatment, and physical punishments have been deeply rooted in our society, often disguised as cultural norms.
However, these practices have devastating consequences, leaving victims with low self-esteem, psychological trauma, physical scars, and mental health challenges.
According to UNICEF, approximately 640 million girls and women worldwide have been married as children, while at least 200 million have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM).
These practices not only rob girls of their childhood but also deny them the chance to determine their own future, threatening the well-being of entire societies.
The Ondo State Former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Adebunmi Osadahun bemoaned the prevalence of these harmful practices as she assured of governments resolved to curb the act “The ministry won’t relent on ensuring that the Vapp law runs its course and deals with the perpetrators of such evil acts regardless of their status”.
She called on government at all levels to Ensure that laws and policies aimed at preventing harmful practices are enforced, and perpetrators are held accountable.
“There is an urgent need to strengthen legal frameworks, providing training for law enforcement officials, and establishing effective reporting mechanisms” she added.
The Former Special Adviser on Gender, Mrs. Olumide Falana, stressed the importance of raising awareness about harmful practices as she assured victims of prompt response when they report incidents. “There is a need for victims to raise awareness about harmful practices, and we assure them of prompt response whenever they report any incidence”.
She said “a multi-faceted approach to combat these harmful practices is strategic education and awareness of communities about the dangers of harmful practices and promoting awareness about the importance of girls’ education and empowerment which can help to shift cultural norms and attitudes”.
A Gender Advocate Mrs Yinka Odedele said “many women in Nigeria have silently endured the worst treatment after the passing of their spouses and we cannot continue to fold our arms like it’s not our business”
” Put yourself in the shoes of these women and girls , as these perpetrators have women in their lives so how will you like it to be done to your loved ones” she added
She concluded by saying ” women are what holds the homes, the society together and we cannot continue to turn blind eyes and deaf ears to their plight”
Others said engaging men and boys in the fight against harmful practices is vital as it will help challenge the norms and attitudes that perpetuate these practices.
