The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, highlighted several initiatives and challenges during her appearance on Arise TV’s ‘The Morning Show’. She addressed cultural barriers affecting women in Nigeria, drawing attention to her efforts to partner with traditional rulers to advance women’s rights.
One significant accomplishment she mentioned was abolishing the practice of breast ironing in a remote community in Abuja. This practice, deemed barbaric, involves the flattening of young girls’ breasts with heated objects, aiming to prevent their sexual development. The Minister’s ministry intervened through sensitization, empowerment programs, and legal agreements to enforce compliance and prosecute offenders under statutory provisions.
Additionally, Kennedy-Ohanenye compared challenges faced in northern Nigeria, such as child marriage, to similar issues in the south where young girls are taken to hotels, emphasizing that both practices exploit young girls and violate their rights. She underscored the importance of cultural dialogue and collaboration with local leaders to address these issues effectively across the country.
Her approach reflects a blend of advocacy, legal enforcement, and cultural engagement aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting vulnerable populations from harmful traditional practices.