Women call for more policies to tackle violent extremism

Women in Nigeria want government at all levels to put policies in place that will help to reduce violent extremism against their kind.

Helen Osamede-Akins reports that violent extremism is the most widespread human rights abuse and is also a
fundamental barrier to the socio-economic and political empowerment of women and girls.

Crime against women have been on the increase over the years but only a few cases are reported. Despite the Violence Against Persons Act, violence against women and girls is still prevalent in Nigeria.

This is why a one-day National Forum on the Women’s role in preventing and transforming violent extremism seeks to support the capacity of women’s groups to engage in strategies to prevent extreme violence and promote social cohesion.

To curb the menace, participants believe that sensitisation must be created and women must ensure they rise above every form of limitation.

While countering violent extremism requires interventions to protect people and assets, the prevention of violent extremism needs to go beyond the security dimension and look at solutions to this phenomenon.