Enugu: Report identifies rape as most prevalent sexual, gender based violence against women during COVID-19 lockdown

Participants in an online study by a non-governmental organization, Women Information Network (WINET) have identified rape as the most prevalent type of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) act perpetrated against women and girls during the period of the COVID 19 lockdown from March to August 2020.

The study was to determine the types of sexual and gender-based violence most prevalent during the covid-19 lockdown in Enugu State.

Attendees at the dissemination of the Survey findings

Sixty -four-point eight percent of the respondents in the survey said rape was the most frequent type of SGBV act heard of during the months of March to August 2020.

The Executive Director, of WINET Mrs. Miriam Menkiti stated these while presenting findings from the study during at event to mark the 16 days of Activism on (Friday 10^th December 2020) to end violence against women and girls in Enugu.

The findings, she said listed other acts of SGBV perpetrated against women and girls to include Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), denial of inheritance, Child and forced marriage, intimidation, defilement, abandonment, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and wife battery.

According to the findings, eighty percent of the respondents are of the view that SGBV is prevalent in Enugu State

According to the findings, eighty percent of the respondents are of the view that SGBV is prevalent in Enugu State.

Against this background, Mrs. Miriam Menkiti called for more community and male involvement in activities to end SGBV in Enugu State. She called on women’s groups to work together to tackle the menace in the society.

Reacting to the findings, Mr.  Joshua Ozioko suggested that awareness should be created about consent before any sexual activity so that men will understand that its importance as any sexual activity without consent is rape and punishable under the nations laws.

Executive Director, Women Information Network (WINET), Mrs. Miriam Menkiti, in a group photograph with the participants during the presentation

The Executive Director said this study was carried out in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, under the Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria project funded by Global Affairs Canada.