#WomensRightsAreHumanRights! BellaNaija Partners with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

BellaNaija is committed to informing, entertaining, inspiring, and most importantly, creating positive change – through the work we do. In light of this, we recently partnered with the United Nations, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, with a special focus on women’s rights.

In Nigeria, for all the positive strides taken by women in modern society, the system is still terribly skewed against the woman. From the absence of protection against domestic violence, to barbaric and restrictive cultural practices, African women are struggling to keep their heads above water.

According to a report prepared by the United Nations, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights,”every country on the continent, as is the case globally, women continue to be denied full enjoyment of their rights. In Africa, 1 in 3 women have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner at some point in their lifetime;”

Certain countries have signed the charter for gender equality, and many countries have ratified the provisions of the charter; however, we are hoping for a world where there will be justice and equality for the African woman.

BellaNaija has received the mandate to share the report on the UN’s findings on the position of women’s rights in Africa. The information in the report reveals the sad, stark reality of African women. Issues ranging from the inadequate economic empowerment of women, to the fact that African women do not have full autonomy on their own reproductive systems – thus leading to high mortality rates. The report provides information on female genital mutilation, rape, deliberate infection of women with HIV, discrimination against women living with albinism… amongst other things.

We decided that in the month of March, we would share parts of the UN report with you guys, and implore you to use every resource at your disposal to fight for the rights of the African Woman.

Using social media, we hope that our outreach will have the desired positive impact.

Please see some of the facts shared so far…

With regards our beloved country Nigeria, you may read more on where we stand with regards upholding our international obligations to the advancement of women’s rights. [ Click here to read]

We hope that, by providing much needed awareness and education on women’s rights, we are able to effect change. We long for a Nigeria where women’s rights, as human beings, are respected, honoured and valued.

Here’s how you can be a part of this drive:

• A lot of people have been used to treating women like doormats, so they don’t know any other way. Spread the word for change.
• Do not propagate or fan the flames of injustices and cruelty against women.
• Report cases of violence against women to women civic organisations.
• Provide information and educate people around you on the need for equality for women.
• Support individuals who are empowering other women, and providing education to reduce the injustices being meted out to women.
• Speak out against cultural/relgious practices that are harmful to women.
• Follow us on Instagram and Twitter and look out for #BNxUNoHCHR to learn more facts about women’s rights.
• Use social media tools available to you to advocate for women’s rights. You never know… someone on your timeline may need the boost!