BENIN CITY – A Benin based legal practitioner, Nna Victor has said that full commmunity development is impossible without the understanding, cooperation and effective participation of women.

In a lecture Presented to the National Association of Seadogs (aka Pyrates Confraternity), Benbow Deck, as part of activities to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women), Nna said that women deserve respect, recognition at all times, considering their role as mothers, companions, breadwinners, teachers and guardian.

The lecture was themed: “Eliminating Violence Against Women: A Nigerian Perspective.”

According to him, “Unfortunately, there exists various degrees of manifestations of violence against women against women which hampers the attainment of the full potential of women in the society.”

He described violence against women as “any violation of a woman’s person, mental or physical integrity or freedom of movement through individual acts and/or societal oppression.”

Nna noted rape and defilement as one of the most violent and vicious means through which violence against women is perpetrated in Nigeria.

The implications for the country, he said include, negative economic impact, both in the use of resources and loss of productivity due to fear and injury; adverse psysical and health implications on victims as well as negative psychological effects.

He therefore recommended a national orientation programme aimed at educating the public on the implications of violence against women; provision and strengthening Institutions where women and girls who are victims are victims of violence as well as proper funding of Institutions and agencies that deal with violence against women.