International Womens Day

 
Celebrated annually on the 8th of March. It's a day to appreciate the women in your life- mother , wife, sisters, boss even. You can give them small gifts or flowers just to say thank you.
The theme for this year is Stop the Violence. The statistics on Violence against women is appaling. from rape to domestic violence. There are many reasons for this but i WOnt bore you with them. I would just like to say that i dont think women will achieve much until men stand beside us in this battle. these arent just women. These are our mothers', sisters', cousins', friends'. these are people we respect and love. would anyone appreciate their mother being treated unfairly?
Its time to stop standing on the sidelines. Its time men joined this and stop blaming the victim. NOTHING justifies violence against another human being. And unless i was taught wrong, women are human beings.
Thats my 2 cents on the matter.
For people in Lagos, there are a number of events happening today and through the weekend. Please feel free to be a part of any of them. See them HERE.

Alternatively, you can celebrate by hosting your own event, and talking about the issue of violence and enlightening  and empowering others. Please find out facts about women and violence HERE.

Some Quick Facts

What is violence against women?

• The United Nations defines violence against women as:
  • “Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."
• This violence can include
  • Physical abuse: Slapping, choking, or punching her. Using hands or objects as weapons. Threatening her with a knife or gun. Committing murder.
  • Sexual abuse: Using threats, intimidation, or physical force to force her into unwanted sexual acts.
  • Emotional or verbal abuse: Making degrading comments about her body or behaviour. Forcing her to commit degrading acts. Confining her to the house. Destroying her possessions. Threatening to kill her or the children. Threatening to commit suicide.
  • Financial abuse: Stealing or controlling her money or valuables (of particular concern to older women). Forcing her to work. Denying her the right to work.
  • Spiritual abuse: Using her religious or spiritual beliefs to manipulate, dominate, and control her.
  • Criminal harassment/stalking: Following her or watching her in a persistent, malicious, and unwanted manner. Invading her privacy in a way that threatens her personal safety.

What causes violence against women?

• The roots of violence are founded in the belief that the needs, feelings, or beliefs of one person or group are more correct or more important than those of another person or group. This fundamental inequality creates a rationale for humiliation, intimidation, control, abuse—even murder.
• In our society, gender inequality is visible in many areas, including politics, religion, media, cultural norms, and the workplace. Both men and women receive many messages—both blatant and covert—that men are more important than women. In this context, it becomes easier for a man to believe that he has the right to be in charge and to control a woman, even if it takes violence. This is not only wrong, it’s against the law.
• There is no evidence that alcohol or mental illness causes men to be violent against women. Men who assault their partners rarely assault their friends, neighbours, bosses, or strangers.   

^{Facts from canadianwomen.org}

^{Quick facts about Nigeria}

• •Most 15-24 year old women in Nigeria think it is reasonable for a husband to beat his wife if she burns the food, refuses sex or goes out without his permission.
• •Nearly half of unmarried women in parts of Southern Nigeria have experienced physical violence.
• One in three of all women and girls aged 15-24 has been a victim of violence. 
• Up to one third of Nigerian women report that they have been subjected to some form of violence.
• One in five has experienced physical violence .