The Role of the Justice Sector Stakeholders in Curbing the Menace of Sexual and Gender Based Crisis in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines the role of justice sector stakeholders in Nigeria in curbing the menace of sexual and gender based crisis in Nigeria. Gender-based violence (GBV), is one of the oppressive forms of gender inequality posing a fundamental barrier to the equal participation of women and men in social, economic, and political spheres. Acts of gender-based violence affect the lives, health and wellbeing of millions of women, girls, boys and men worldwide. Gender-based violence takes place in all societies and all cultures. It includes female genital mutilation, female infanticide, child marriage, physical abuse, sexual harassment, mental or economic harm inflicted on a person because of socially ascribed power imbalances between males and females. Lack of access to justice institutions and mechanisms contribute to culture of impunity for violence and abuse. Girls and women may also experience gender-based violence when they are deprived of nutrition and education. Gender based crimes are grossly under-reported, especially when it is against the male folks and within a family setting or close affinity environment. While it is widely believed that women are much more likely than men to be killed by their intimate partners or family members, as a result of GBV, the nature of deaths when it involves men (excessive brutality, mutilation of diseased body, poisoning) is beginning to cast aspersion on that assumption. Methodology: The doctrinal research was used in carrying out this research. Both secondary and primary sourced materials such as textbooks, journals, internets, case laws etc. were used. Findings: Finding revealed that the gaps in criminal law and procedure, gender stereotypes, victim blaming, non-conviction of the aggressor and inadequate/inappropriate responses of the criminal justice institutions and professionals to GBV lead to secondary victimization as well as the likelihood of use of self-help. Recommendation: To address these, advocacy message should be directed to the perpetrators. Religious leaders, traditional rules, lawyers, media houses, Civil Society Organisation among others are enjoined to take proactive measures in addressing this menace.