By Calista Nwofor
Stakeholders have called for an immediate end to cultural practices and systemic gaps that expose individuals—particularly women—to danger, discrimination, and dehumanization through Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Speaking in an interview with Exceed FM, social commentator and Publisher of local tabloid the People’s Herald, Mr. Abraham Dukuma described gender-based violence as a reprehensible act that has no place in a modern, civilized society.
Dukuma highlighted that many forms of GBV remain rooted in entrenched cultural, traditional, and customary beliefs. He pointed to female genital mutilation and the exclusion of women from decision-making processes in their communities as primary examples of harmful norms that must be eradicated.
“Women are frequently excluded as key stakeholders in community activities, which is entirely unacceptable in today’s society,” Dukuma stated. He further categorized female genital mutilation as an uncivilized practice that demands collective societal action to eliminate.
While emphasizing the disproportionate impact of GBV on women, Dukuma noted that men are also victims of domestic abuse. Citing a recent incident in Elele, Rivers State, where a woman reportedly beat her husband to death, he stressed that gender-based violence cuts both ways and requires equal attention across all demographics.
To curb the trend, Dukuma urged communities to identify and address early red flags, dismantle oppressive traditional norms, and enforce strict legal sanctions against perpetrators.
He called on relevant authorities to establish firm penalties for offenders and enforce laws prohibiting jungle justice and domestic abuse, emphasizing the need to protect and restore basic human dignity for all citizens.
