FAME Foundation Urges Action On Rising Femicide Crisis In Nigeria
The FAME Foundation held a press conference on September 23, 2024, at its headquarters in Abuja to address the alarming surge of femicide across Nigeria. The foundation called for an immediate state of emergency, citing the urgent need to confront the growing trend of violence against women and girls. Labelling the situation a “pandemic,” FAME emphasised that femicide—defined as the intentional killing of women due to their gender—has become a widespread crisis that requires immediate and collective action.
The foundation highlighted that victim-blaming must stop and stressed the importance of unified efforts from all sectors of society to combat this tragic form of gender-based violence (GBV).
“Femicide is rooted in deep-seated beliefs that condone male control over females, perpetuating violence against women,” the foundation stated. Data from the United Nations reveals that over 89,000 women and girls were killed globally in 2022 and 2023. In Nigeria, a 2022 report indicated that at least 401 women lost their lives to sexual and gender-based violence, illustrating the severity of the problem.
Many cases of femicide in Nigeria go unreported or concealed due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and shame within families. Statistics from the Federal Government show that 27,698 GBV cases were recorded in the past three years. High-profile incidents, such as the kidnapping and murder of Damilola by a 20-year-old undergraduate and the dismemberment of Justina Nkang by her boyfriend, underscore the rising tide of violence against women.
FAME Foundation called for the strengthening and strict enforcement of existing laws addressing sexual and gender-based violence, urging that perpetrators of femicide face swift and severe punishment. Public education programs dismantling harmful gender stereotypes and engaging men and boys in conversations about gender equality are critical to ending this violence, the foundation argued.
“Silence is not an option while women and girls are being brutally murdered,” FAME declared, urging the Nigerian government, civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, and all citizens to unite in the fight against femicide. Media organisations were also urged to raise awareness and challenge harmful societal norms that fuel violence against women.
FAME Foundation is actively raising awareness and advocating for stronger legal protections through its Advocacy Sensitisation Program, which engages communities in discussions about gender equality and the consequences of violence. The foundation also collaborates with law enforcement and civil society organisations to ensure femicide cases are properly reported and investigated, providing support to victims and their families.
In addition, FAME is conducting research to collect accurate data on femicide in Nigeria. This information will guide advocacy efforts and help develop targeted interventions to tackle the root causes of femicide.
“The time to act is now,” the foundation emphasised. “Every woman and girl deserves to live free from violence and fear. Together, we can end femicide in Nigeria.”
