Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN)
and Civic Society Organisations (CSOs) on Thursday in Abuja expressed concern over what it termed “persistent
violence against women and girls in the country.”
They made their positions known in separate goodwill messages during the UN-EU Spotlight Initiative
workshop held in Abuja.
The National Health Coordinator of FOMWAN, Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim, said that the psychological trauma
on victims of violence, especially children, would affect their mental health.
Ibrahim, therefore, stressed the need for government to initiate policies that would protect the rights of
women and girl-child, as well as enforce stringent laws to ensure justice was served.
Dr Asmau Adam, a member of FOMWAN, urged religious and traditional leaders to play active roles
in ending the scourge against women and girls.
She said “violence against women and girls is an issue that needs forceful approach and religious
leaders must condemn it in their sermons at various places of worship”.
Mrs Vivian Ani of Young Christian Association (YCW) also condemned the act and
called on government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to create more awareness on
sexual abuse, violence and molestation.
Ani emphasised the need for parents to monitor their children, educate them on sexual abuse and
violations to reduce the increasing rate of such acts in the society.
She said “there is need for more awareness on rape and parents need to pay more attention to
movement of their children and be conscious of who they leave them with and the things they
are exposed to.”