The senate believes stiffer punishment against perpetrators will help to curb the GBV scourge more effectively
The Senate has called for stiffer punishment for perpetrators as an effective way to end to violence against women in Nigeria.
This is as it called on the Nigerian Police to intensify punishment against the perpetrators found guilty of gender-based violence (GBV).
The red chamber also urged that Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions should prioritize providing accommodation for female students in the hostels.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) and 16 other senators during Thursday’s plenary.
The motion was in commemoration of the 16 days of activism against GBV celebrated by the United Nations every year.
In her lead debate, Ireti, who expressed concern over the increasing cases of sexual violence in the country, called on the lawmakers to increase advocacy for women and stop gender based violence.
She further stressed on the level of the exposure to the risk of violence which has become widespread, persistent and devastating.
“Women are vulnerable and are at risk. More is needed to ensure that women live and are free of violence,” the FCT senator said.
In supporting the motion, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, (PDP, Kogi Central) said women have also suffered in the hands of women.
“Nigerian women and the world have suffered in the hands of not just men but women and in various organisations,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said, adding: “I support the call for a stop to the violence.”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, (APC, Edo North) said that it is a fight for all and not just women but however encouraged the police to enforce the laws while urging the Senate to live by example.
“I think we need to review the laws that have to do with violence against women. We need to make the penalties stiffer,” Oshiomhole said, adding:“We should pass laws with appropriate tools to enable the police to prosecute. Sermonising alone won’t change the minds of those who think they have the right to oppress.”
The Senate therefore mandated its committee on women affairs and other relevant committees to make further legislative inputs.
