Due the alarming rates of gender-based violence in Nigeria, the Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, has issued a heartfelt appeal to women across the nation not to talk back at their spouses.
While speaking at a Conference of Commissioners of State Ministries of Women Affairs in Abuja on Wednesday, February 28, the minister emphasized the critical importance of avoiding confrontations with spouses to prevent physical harm and safeguard lives.
Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye stressed the pivotal role of maintaining peace within the home environment, highlighting its significant impact on family dynamics. “If a home is peaceful, the woman has 80 percent to contribute to that,” she emphasized. Urging women to exercise restraint and refrain from engaging in verbal altercations, the minister underscored the potential dangers of escalating conflicts.
“Talking back does not yield fruit, rather it leads to death and destruction,” Kennedy-Ohaneye cautioned. She then urged women to exercise prudence by maintaining composure during heated exchanges, emphasizing the wisdom in remaining silent. “Keep your mouth shut, it does not make you a fool but a wise person,” she advised.
The minister also advocated for the enactment of legislation aimed at addressing gender-based violence, proposing the establishment of mobile courts to try such offenses. Promising to champion the cause, Kennedy-Ohaneye pledged to lead a protest to the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation to facilitate the signing of the proposed law.
In her address, the minister reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of women across Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to combat gender-based violence and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
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