Wirba Stephanie, PhD, Global President-Elect
Young African Women Congress (YAWC) Network
THE YOUNG African Women Congress (YAWC) Network – a not-for-profit
organization that specializes in women and girls’ empowerment through leadership,
mentorship and advocacy – has condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.
The suspension of the Nigerian Senator allegedly follows a petition she submitted
about some acts of sexual harassment allegedly perpetrated by the President of the
Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, against her.
Consequently, some of her privileges as a Senator, such as official vehicles, security,
among others were reportedly stripped off her following her report on the development.
The YAWC Network, in a statement signed by its Global President-elect, Dr. Wirba Stephanie, has condemned the move, describing it as “unfortunate” and a move
designed to suppress dissent.
“The recent actions [suspension] taken against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan serve as a
stark reminder that speaking out against injustice can lead to severe repercussions.
This suppression of dissent is not just a matter of individual rights; it is a societal
issue that affects the fabric of our democracy”, it lamented.
According to the Network, the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also undermines Nigeria’s commitment to various international treaties and conventions
on discrimination against women across various fields such as the Convention on
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); the United
Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (UN-DEVAW); and
Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP).
“According to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women (CEDAW), to which Nigeria is a signatory, nations have an obligation
to eliminate discrimination against women in political and public life. The suspension of a respected senator due to her brave stance against gender violence undermines this commitment.
“Internationally, frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women explicitly recognize that harassment and violence against women threaten their right to participate freely in political and public life. Closer to home, Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP).”
While these treaties and conventions serve as critical legal tools for combatting sexual and gender-based violence, the Network argued, their enforcement remains inconsistent, and the political arena continues to be rife with impunity. The Network therefore called on the Nigerian Senate, the Nigerian government, civil
society groups and all stakeholders to as a matter of urgency, implement key reforms in addressing and curtailing the phenomenon once and for all.
The Network called for the reinstatement of Senator Akoti-Uduaghan and the return of all her privileges to her; the development and implementation of robust policies that actively protect women against sexual harassment; the establishment and
strengthening of support networks for women who face harassment and
intimidation in their professional environments; as well as the implementation of comprehensive education and training programs about sexual harassment and
gender-based violence, targeted at both men and women, to foster an environment of
respect and equality.
The Network also called on the Senate President of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to recuse himself and subject himself to the appropriate senate committees and other investigative agencies for a full-blown unbiased investigation on the
allegations.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension serves as a crucial wake-up call for all of us. We cannot afford to be silent in the face of injustice.
“The Young African Women Congress Network stands firmly with Senator Akpoti-
Uduaghan and all women who dare to speak out against gender-based violence and
harassment. We urge all stakeholders —government, civil society, and citizens — to
unite in the fight for a safe and equitable environment for women in all spheres of
life”, the Network iterated.
See the full statement below:
STATEMENT FROM THE YOUNG AFRICAN WOMEN CONGRESS (YAWC) NETWORK
ON THE SUSPENSION OF SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN AND THE
ONGOING FIGHT AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
IN NIGERIA
It is with a heavy heart that we, the Members of the Young African Women Congress (YAWC) Network around the world, address you today regarding the unfortunate suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate after her
petition about an alleged sexual harassment perpetrated by the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition highlighting concerns regarding sexual harassment and gender-based violence (GBV) within our political institutions and beyond has stirred significant controversy around the fight against the canker. This situation is not merely a political issue; it has profound implications for women’s rights, gender equality, and the fight against violence and discrimination.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s courageous stance sheds light on the pervasive culture of silence surrounding sexual harassment and GBV, especially in politics. Her call for
accountability and justice aligns with a growing recognition both nationally and
internationally that these issues must be addressed and dismantled.
The political environment remains one of the most challenging arenas for women, often marked by intimidation and fear. The recent actions taken against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan serve as a stark reminder that speaking out against injustice can lead to severe repercussions.
This suppression of dissent is not just a matter of individual rights; it is a societal
issue that affects the fabric of our democracy. According to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), to which Nigeria is a signatory, nations have an obligation to eliminate discrimination against women in political and public life. The suspension of a respected senator due to her brave stance against gender violence undermines this commitment.
Internationally, frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women explicitly recognize that harassment and violence against women threaten their right to participate freely in political and public life. Closer to home, Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) serves as a critical legal tool for combatting sexual violence. Nonetheless, the enforcement of these laws remains inconsistent, and the political arena continues to be rife with impunity.
Laws and Setbacks
In Nigeria, there are several laws at both the federal and state levels that address gender-based violence (GBV). While these laws aim to protect individuals, particularly women and girls, from violence and discrimination, the effectiveness of these laws varies.
Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (VAPP Act):
This is a federal law that prohibits all forms of violence, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. It provides a framework for the protection of persons against domestic violence and establishes penalties for offenders. The VAPP Act also addresses issues like female genital mutilation and harmful widowhood practices.
Sexual Offences Act (2019):
Several states in Nigeria have enacted laws that specifically address sexual offenses, establishing penalties for crimes such as rape and sexual assault.
Laws Against Domestic Violence:
Some states, such as Lagos and Enugu, have
passed laws specifically targeting domestic violence, providing legal recourse for victims and setting penalties for offenders.
National Gender Policy (2006):
This policy includes measures to prevent and respond to GBV and promotes gender equality.
Awareness and Education:
Many laws provide for public awareness campaigns to
educate individuals about their rights and available legal protections. However,
awareness remains low in many communities, often limiting the laws’ effectiveness.
Implementation and Enforcement Issues:
The effectiveness of these laws is often hampered by inadequate enforcement mechanisms, lack of resources, and
insufficient training for law enforcement officials. Many victims of GBV may not
report incidents due to fear of stigma, a lack of trust in the legal system, or a lack of
understanding of their rights.
Judicial Backlog:
The judicial system in Nigeria often experiences significant delays, leading to a backlog of cases, which can deter victims from seeking justice.
Cultural Barriers:
In many communities, cultural norms and beliefs regarding gender roles can perpetuate violence and hinder enforcement of laws intended to protect victims.
State-Level Variability:
While the federal laws provide a framework, implementation often relies on state legislation. Some states have enacted and enforced GBV laws more effectively than others, leading to disparities in protection and support for victims.
Support Services:
Availability of support services such as shelters, counselling, and legal aid varies widely. Access to these services is critical for the recovery of victims and their ability to pursue justice. While there are various laws aimed at combating gender-based violence in Nigeria, the effectiveness of these laws is often limited by enforcement challenges, cultural barriers, and inadequate support systems for victims. Efforts to strengthen legal frameworks, improve enforcement mechanisms, raise awareness, and provide support services are crucial for making these laws more effective in protecting individuals from gender-based violence.
In recent years, there have been multiple instances where women leaders have faced
harassment or been punished for speaking out. It is essential to emphasize that this
is not merely an issue of individual politics; it is a systemic problem that requires a
robust societal response, prioritizing protective actions for all women in our
communities.
In light of these events, it is imperative that we, as a collective movement, reaffirm our commitment to fight against the intimidation and silencing of women. Senator Akpoti Uduaghan’s experience should galvanize us to advocate stronger reforms in our laws and political structures to protect women from harassment and retaliatory measures for their advocacy.
Demands and Reforms Support Mechanisms for Women:
We must establish and strengthen support
networks for women who face harassment and intimidation in their professional environments. Advocacy groups, legal aid, and mental health services should be readily accessible to all women who come forward.
Policy Reforms: We call upon the Nigerian government and political parties to develop and implement robust policies that actively protect women against sexual harassment. This must include the establishment of independent bodies tasked with investigating allegations without bias or political interference.
Awareness and Education:
There is an urgent need for comprehensive education and training programs about sexual harassment and GBV, targeted at both men and women, to foster an environment of respect and equality.
Mobilization of Allies:
Advocacy for women’s rights requires an inclusive approach. We encourage not only women but also men and organizations to come forward as allies in this struggle. Together, we can create a culture that condemns sexual harassment and embraces gender equity.
Investigation:
We call on Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President of Nigeria to recuse himself and subject himself to the appropriate senate committees and other investigative agencies for a full-blown unbiased investigation on the
allegations.
Reinstatement:
As a matter of urgency, we call on the Nigerian Senate to reinstate Senator Akoti-Uduaghan and return all her privileges to her.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension serves as a crucial wake-up call for all of us. We cannot afford to be silent in the face of injustice. The Young African Women Congress Network stands firmly with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and all women who dare to speak out against gender-based violence and harassment. We urge all stakeholders—government, civil society, and citizens—to unite in the fight for a safe and equitable environment for women in all spheres of life.
Stand with us, as we amplify the voices of those demanding change and seek to hold perpetrators accountable. Together, we can dismantle the longstanding barriers that prevent women from fully participating in politics and society at large.
In solidarity,
Wirba Stephanie, PhD
Global President-Elect
Young African Women Congress (YAWC) Network.
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