Illiteracy, Ignorance, or Inhumanity?

By Faith Habu, Girl Rising Student Ambassador

Gender-based violence is far too common - and often, far too easily dismissed.  I’ve been wrestling with what lies at the root of this injustice: Is it illiteracy or ignorance that drives certain attitudes? Like you, I crave an answer. Could it be one or the other, or perhaps something deeper? I lean toward the former, then the latter, then back again, unsure.

But after reflecting on the comments I’ve seen online, I’ve come to a different conclusion. Consider these remarks: “What was she doing in a man’s house that late?” “Well, she should have covered up better.” And one that still haunts me: “Why would they rape a boy, weren’t there girls around?” I’ll never forget the shock in my eyes as I read that last one. These aren’t critiques of a blockbuster Marvel movie, a Bollywood drama, or a Nollywood series. No, these are reactions to the trending pictures of three lifeless girls victims of rape, domestic violence, or harassment. It’s pathetic, isn’t it? Yet it’s our reality.

Recently in Nigeria, a man set his wife ablaze over alleged infidelity, a barbaric act that sparked outrage.

During a small group discussion about this tragedy, someone asked, “Why should a woman cheat on her husband?” I was as stunned as you likely are now. In that moment, I wondered: What’s the most significant issue here? Is it the loss of a human life, or some tangential question about infidelity? That’s when it hit me: This isn’t about illiteracy or ignorance. It’s about inhumanity. You don’t need to identify as a certain gender to be humane, it’s not about that. We are humans first. As Christians often say, “Let him without sin cast the first stone.” Our ability to empathize, to accommodate one another despite our flaws, is what makes us human. Yet too often, we fail at this, and the sad reality is that girls disproportionately suffer the consequences of this injustice.

So, how do we curb this? 

1. Donate: Your contributions play a vital role in fighting for girls’ rights and education. Why education? Because, as the saying goes, “The strongest weapon of the oppressors is the mind of the oppressed.” Education doesn’t just teach reading, it rewires mindsets, dismantling the inhumanity that thrives in silence.

Our efforts to educate girls go beyond the classroom; they’re about sensitization. It’s about helping every girl know her worth and inviting others to see it too. When you donate, you empower them to get the job done. It doesn’t matter who’s leading the charge; what matters is the impact. Together, we can build a more humane world. 

2. Empower girls: I bet the first thing that pops up in most people's minds when empowerment is mentioned is money and other tangible objects. Well, this isn't completely false but for this purpose, the focus is on intangible empowerment. Whether you are a parent, guardian, or friend, it is very important to build self-confidence in a girl child. This form of empowerment builds and gives her the momentum to speak up when she suspects the slightest form of abuse, builds her to give deaf ears to everyone else that tries to make her feel stupid or at fault for wearing a certain skirt or dress that could lead to rape. A little soft whisper of “you are strong" and “ you're enough" can go a long way. Organizations like ours can try to do this by constantly educating girls on their worth and relevance, but may not be compared to what a parent, guardian, or friend will tell them. Imagine a part of me telling me I am enough; this form of confidence is unmatched. As the saying goes, “Nothing about you, without you." Spread love, positivity, and light in your girls and children. 

3. Provide a safe audience for: I thought we'd gone past this era until I heard a market woman saying a man is the crown of his wife, and she should endure whatever comes her way in order to maintain her prestige. She’s not alone. A lot of mothers, especially in Northern Nigeria, believe this. Girls grow up hearing this, and it becomes a reality for them. We need to integrate programs and projects that aim to provide a safe space for girls and women, free from all judgments and societal expectations. This is best achieved when we involve locals in our campaigns and activities. Locals understand the root of the problem and they’re best positioned to help solve it.

True freedom is only realized when it’s clear to all that it exists. The duty to act with humanity transcends gender, race, or religion; it's a universal obligation we owe each other. Given that girls are often the most vulnerable to these injustices, protecting them, respecting them, and ensuring equity isn’t up for debate; it’s a duty we must all uphold. A girl must have a voice, choice, and a will.

*Regarding the issue of a man setting his wife ablaze, here's a link: https://punchng.com/husband-sets-wife-ablaze-in-anambra-over-alleged-infidelity/