The Burden of Womanhood-- By Iniobong Iwok

In his speech at the celebration of the last international women's day of the twentieth century, former United Nation Secretary-general Kofi Annan
described violence against women as perhaps the most shameful human rights violations globally. It is perhaps the most pervasive and knows no boundaries
of geography, culture or wealth.

Violence against women and the girls come in different forms whether it is sexual, domestic, physical, emotional and economic, just to mention a few and occur in alarming proportions around the world.

Such acts are exacerbated by the rise in global conflict, poverty and terrorist groups, many of who expect women to be submissive and view them as objects of wealth, sex and slavery. They discourage the advancement of women’s education.

In Africa, a continent which is predominantly patriarchal, violence against women has become entrenched in cultural practices.

A sociologist and lecturer at the department of sociology at the University of Lagos, Dr Agugua Augustine offers a sociological perspective on the causes of violence against women. He suggests that violence against women is linked to male aggression which can be linked to a number of behavioral factors.

Dr Ogugua also asserted that violence against women is supported by religious and cultural practices.

"It could be cultural depending where you see it. But there is a thin line between culture and religion. For example Islamic religions allow physical force to control women. Culturally it is accepted, from some religious perspectives, you can see that in some certain communities violence is a way of keeping women under check".

While violence against women have long been viewed as an ancient practice in African societies, there is little reliable data on the topic.

However, a UN report found that between 50,000 and 64,000 women in camps for internally displaced people in Sierra Leone were sexually assaulted by combatants between 1991 and 2001.

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, at least 200,000 cases of sexual violence, mostly involving women and girls, have been documented since 1996, the actual numbers are believed to be far higher.

In providing a platform for advocacy, research and support to victims a charity organization Project Monma has since 2014 carried out research around the world against the act.

Founded by Australian anthropologist Johanna Higgs has conducted research on violence against women and girls throughout Africa, the Middle East and Africa.

What should be done to stem the act? Johanna higgs, based on her extensive research has said that societies and authorities must do more to curb the act.

"Having traveled through many parts of the world including Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, I can say that violence and discrimination against women exists everywhere. There are different forms of violence and discrimination facing women and girls in different parts of the world and the extent to which women and girls face violence differs but it is everywhere. It a serious problem that needs very serious solutions. Much is needed to be done by local governments, the international community and individuals themselves".

"The problem is centered around people's attitudes. We need more campaigns focused on changing attitudes that perpetuate violence and discrimination against women and girls and more local leaders speaking out on the issue. We need strong laws to punish the perpetrators of violence and harassment,” she said.

Dr Ogugua said, "we must address the fundamental realities that make women prone to violence, if you do that men and women will appreciate each others qualities and violence would naturally stop".

Perhaps, what men need to realize and understand is that in the present twenty-first century, men relationship with women must shift from a position of domination to that of partnership.