We Shall Not Rest Until Women’s Right Are Recognized As Human Rights – Olajumoke
Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
Reported by Abimbola Obatayo, Ibadan
In respect to the recent rape cases happening in the country, Zontal Club of Ibadan has condemned this act and will not rest until women’s right are recognized as human rights.
According to the President of Zonta Club of Ibadan 1 Olajumoke Akere, she said alot of women in communities have been reportedly raped and killed and it’s becoming intolerable in the society, she cited a case study of the recent rape incidents of Vera Uwaila, Barakat Bello and Azeezat Showunmi who died eventually.
“Violence against women continues to be pervasive and takes different forms ranging from domestic violence to sexual violence and very recently, many of the victims in our communities have been reported killed and this is very sad and intolerable.”
She stressed further that rape cases are under reported while the perpetrators moves on” Most of the time, rape cases are under reported for reasons such as fear of the victims being humiliated, blamed, stigmatized, disowned by family and even killed in the process while the life of perpetrators goes on. All these must stop.
Also speaking at the event is the Zonta President club of Ibadan 2, Stella Olaniyan she stressed that parents should build a strong, healthy and open relationship with their children and discuss sex related issues with them. She called on schools and institutions to have forums where they educate students on the threat of rape and actions that girls and young women can take to protect themselves.
She reiterated further that every perpetrator of rape should be exposed “For the fight against rape to be won, every perpetrator of rape should be exposed and made to take full responsibility for his actions. Under no circumstance should anyone be shielded or protected by parents, religious institutions etc. For this to happen, all Nigerians must rise up in condemnation of this social epidemicand speak with one voice against Rae and sexual assault.”
Stella stressed that there is need for upgrading existing obsolete laws ” There is need for the upgrading of the existing obsolete laws so as to ensure better protection of rape victims.”
She further advised that special units should be set up within the police force to handle rape victims so that much needed evidence can be obtained to ensure the successful prosecution of the rapist.
Zonta International which is a leading global organisation of professionals with a mission to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy has called on the government to punish perpetrators of this crime “We therefore call on the government to increase accountability by making rape illegal, strengthen the capacity of law enforcement officials to investigate this crime and ensure that those who commit rape are brought to justice and thus end the culture of impunity.” She concluded
Present at the event were Past Presidents of the Ibadan Zonta Club, President elect Zonta 2 Dele Ige, President elect Temitope Alabi, Zonta Secretary Bayo Adekunle amongst others.
