A way to end gender-based violence or personal aggrandizement of the author of yet to be published book?



The Edo State Government, as part of efforts to end all forms gender-based violence in the state, has partnered with a domestic violence survivor, Louisa Eikhomun-Agbonkhase, on a book to educate residents on the dangers of such acts and enlighten victims of some laws enshrined in the state that protect them from abuse.

The pre-launch of the book, “Surviving Domestic Violence in Relation to Laws on Protection in Nigeria,” was held recently in Benin City, the Edo State capital, as part of activities lined up for the 16 days of activism to end violence against women and girls in Nigeria, which started on November 25, 2020.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Pastor Mrs. Dorcas Idehen, noted that the book will educate the populace, especially survivors of gender-based violence on the need to speak out and expose perpetrators.

Idehen, who was represented by the Director of Gender Issues at the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, said: “The Author survived gender violence, which preempts the writing of the book and its pre-launching today.

“We believe this book is going to help in solving issues of gender-based violence because some people don't know what to do, especially when they have been violated. When eventually this book is released, it will educate men, women and children on the issues of domestic violence and what steps to take when they are being violated.”

The author and Project Coordinator, Nigeria for Women project, Louisa Eikhomun-Agbonkhese, noted: “My book is a documentation of my experience when I was suffering as a result of gender-based violence. The book will expose and enlighten victims of some laws available that protect their rights.”

 “We urge the law enforcement agencies not to trivialize the abuse of women and the girl-child. We also call on our women who are the majority of victims and survivors to break the silence; abuse is not acceptable and it’s inhuman. If, as a woman, you are going through any form of abuse or violation, speak out and engage with the right authority,” she added.

 Agbonkhese said the book, which will be available by the end of the year or early January, 2021 will be officially launched in March 2021, to mark the International Women’s Day.

Editors note: The project is laudable, and Edo state government has done well.  The only problem is the Nigerian factor going with it. And these has to do with intergrity issues and corruptive tendencies of the average Nigerian to profit at the expense of the masses. To do a pre - launch ie solicit for and receive  financial support (funds) for a book that is yet to be published leaves much doubt and apprehension in the minds of citizens, judging by the high level of insincerity and corruption among leaders and the led in this country, Nigeria. Moreso, when majority of launchings in the past have been mere abracadabra aimed to hoodwink governments and international bodies to parting with monies that should have been used for otherwise more beneficial projects.

It is hoped that accurate accountability  and sincerity of purpose will be the guiding parameters in this unpublished  book to end gender violence, and if at all it sees the light of the day, it is hereby advocated that proceeds should be channelled to helping charity organisations and orphanages which daily inaudate the ministry of social development and gender issues with demands for succour, assistance and interventions. This yet to be published book for which monnues have been donated by well meaning individuals and probably organisations must be treated as a call to charity and not for personal aggrandizement. zoomAfrica online television as a result call on edo state government to monitor and maintain proper accountability for the project.

Be that as it may, whether this will become another in the series of fund raising whose projects turned out to be just on paper; time will surely tell. 

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