The Oyo State branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers has renewed its call for an end to violence against women, while also advocating stronger efforts toward women’s empowerment across society.
Speaking in Ibadan during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, the Secretary of the association in the state, Mrs Fatima Hammed-Gbadamosi, stressed the importance of protecting women’s basic rights. She noted that rights such as access to property, personal freedom, and protection from abuse must be respected at all times.
She also pointed out the urgent need for more women to be represented in government. According to her, ongoing efforts by women’s groups to secure special seats for women in both the National and State Houses of Assembly should be supported until they are achieved.
Hammed-Gbadamosi explained that violence against women is not a new issue, describing it as a long standing problem that has persisted despite the involvement of laws, security agencies, and advocacy groups. However, she encouraged victims not to remain silent but to speak up so that action can be taken.
She further emphasised the importance of unity among women, noting that mutual support is key to improving their overall condition in society.
“Women need to support women; I’m not saying we should be biased and not look out for merit, but sometimes, we have this pull down syndromes in women,” she said.
Addressing one of the major barriers to empowerment, she identified lack of awareness and education as a critical issue.
“ignorance is an obstacle to women’s empowerment, if women can get educated, empowering them will be easier.”
She urged women to pursue education, remain focused on their careers, and aim for leadership roles just like their male counterparts.
“I am not saying they should see it as competition but at least be independent,” she said.
The legal practitioner also called on men to play a supportive role in promoting women’s rights, especially within the home. She stressed that reducing violence starts with individual behavior.
“If husbands don’t violate wives, there won’t be issue of domestic violence, and if men don’t violate women in any way, there won’t be an issue of violence,” she remarked.
She highlighted that the organisation remains committed to protecting the rights of women and children, particularly the vulnerable, while pushing for a justice system that does not ignore cases of abuse.
“They are also urging security agencies to take domestic violence seriously and use the law to execute justice,” she said.
Hammed-Gbadamosi explained that when cases are reported, the group first attempts mediation where possible, and escalates matters to security agencies when necessary, ensuring proper follow up until justice is achieved.
“When we have complaints, we mediate over it.
“If it’s something we can handle, and if not, we push it up to security agencies and make sure we follow up to the end.
“We want a justice system where women’s rights will not be trampled, security agencies should not see domestic violence as matrimonial issues but should use the law to execute where needed.
“For survivors of gender based violence, we petition security agencies about their case and watch the brief for them to get Justice.
“Sometimes, we also refer some survivors to therapists or psychologists so that the issue of trauma will be addressed.,” she said.
She concluded by stressing that financial and personal independence can significantly reduce cases of abuse.
“If a woman can be independent, the rate at which they are abused will be minimal, if at all there will be any case,” she said.
