Vivian Nwakah, co-founder of Medsaf, a medication marketplace for hospitals and pharmacies, says men have to contribute actively towards putting an end to rape culture.
The recent spate of high-profile rape cases in Nigeria has refueled a national conversation about how sexual crimes have to be dealt with more seriously.
Tech entrepreneur, Kendall Ananyi, was recently forced to step down as CEO of Tizeti, an internet provider, after he was accused of sexually harassing Kelechi Udoagwu, a tech consultant, during a business meeting.
Speaking to Pulse Voices, Nwakah said sexual violence is the grossest manifestation of a bigger societal issue - the idea that women do not deserve the same amount of respect as men.
She said it's important to realise that there are degrees to which women can experience anti-women behaviour throughout their careers, from the violation of their personal space to bodily harm.
She said, "A man can only be an advocate for change when they've actually checked their own privilege and taken time to listen to their female colleagues on how they actually are navigating this in their career.
"Because the reality is that every successful business woman has already figured out coping mechanisms and ways to deal with microaggressions, blatant sexism all the way up to bodily harm.
"And I think it's important to understand that those various instances are all tied together through the same type of mentality behind it.
"And when you understand that it is all tied, that if you're sexist, you think of women as less, then it is probably going to be easier to violate a woman."
Nwakah said coming to certain realisations about rape culture is crucial to coming up with solutions that can drive change in the society.
She said men must stop violating their power especially done through the weaponisation of their influential positions to solicit sex from women.
Dozens of protesters marched in Lagos and Abuja last week to demand the declaration of a state of emergency on gender-based violence in the country.
Both chambers of the National Assembly also debated about implementing stiffer penalties for sexual crimes to serve as deterrent.
Pulse strongly condemns violence and sexual assault against women. We’re firmly behind all campaigns against rape and declare our support for the individuals, groups and organizations working hard, fighting tirelessly to make our community safe for girls and women; and unconducive for rapists and other sexual predators.
To report rape and to support this cause, reach out to any of the organisations listed in the slides >>>
[It’d be nice if you can get their logos and place it in their respective slides]
1. Stand To End Rape Initiative
[Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt]
contactus@standtoendrape.org|
08095967000, 08130320270
Twitter: @StandtoEndRape
2. Mirabel Center
[Lagos]
08155770000
Twitter: @MirabelCentreNG
3. Domestic & Sexual Violence Response Team [DSVRT] Lagos
112, 08137960048
Twitter: @DSVRT
4. Women at Risk International Foundation. [WARIF] Lagos
0809 210 0008
Twitter: @WARIF_NG
5. The Consent Workshop
Twitter: @ConsentWorkshop
If you know any organization or NGO fighting rape and other forms of violence against women in your city or state, please drop their contact information in the comments section. You could be helping several women.