|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Summary
In commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism 2024, Nigerians run against femicide in Lagos. The initiative, organised by the DOHS Cares Foundation, was aimed at raising funds for a safe space for survivors of male violence against women and girls and demanding better legislation on femicide matters in Nigeria.
On Nov. 30, 2024, converging at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, Nigerians ran against Femicide in the country. This event, organised by the DOHS Cares Foundation, a women’s rights organisation, was held amid the ongoing 16 Days of Activism to eliminate male violence against women.
The 5 kilometre race was also held to raise funds for tracking femicide and renting safe shelters for survivors of femicide, domestic violence and sexual abuse. It was graced by many participants who volunteered to participate in the initiative.
One runner told Naija Feminists Media (NFM) that she was inspired to keep at the race because of her reflections about the survivor of femicide.
“Participating in the race was more of a solidarity movement for me because halfway through the race, I was fighting for my life. But I remembered all the victims of femicide, gender-based violence or domestic violence in Nigeria who do not get justice,” Kosisochukwu Ani said.
According to participants, race was important because femicide is an issue most women face, and not enough activism is done in the country.
“It is significant because of the issues women face and it is something we all need to support and help create awareness for it. And advocate for policies that will protect women from femicide,” Nkechi Igwebuike said.
“The event is important to raise awareness. People think we’re just making numbers up, but things like these happen to women every day, and nobody says anything. If anything, people turn around and victim-blame,” Kosisochukwu added.
This mini-marathon, organised by the DOHS Cares Foundation and supported by Naija Feminists Media, is an innovative way of raising awareness about femicide and hoping to pass legislation about it in the country.
“We hope that this event translates into legislation when more people are aware and asking questions.” Ololade Ajayi, DOHS CEO, said. “We also hope to be a trauma-healing platform for living survivors of femicide– people who have been left behind and yet to heal because of the gruesome manner in which these women and girls were killed.”
So far, 97 women have been reportedly killed by men in their lives in Nigeria in 2024 alone.
