#SAYNOTORAPE

All through the passage of time, women have always been perceived as the weaker vessel, and so have been subjugated and oppressed by culture in most African societies.

Gender-based violence, including rape on all gender, domestic violence and other sexual abuses, have assumed serious dimensions globally. In Nigeria, incidences of rape are fast assuming a level that requires urgent intervention, especially in Oyo State, Ibadan where the State has recorded 3 high profile cases in the last three weeks.

In all these cases, the victims were murdered after being raped.

First it was BARAKAT BELLO, an 18 year old ambitious lady who was raped and murdered in cold blood; then AZEEZAT SHOMUYIWA, who was found dead in her home with injuries showing that her head was smashed with stone. She was reportedly seven months pregnant as at the time of her death and now, GRACE OSHIAGWU, who was gruesomely matchetted severally on her face after being raped.

Although all the victims in these cases are female, it is pertinent to note that the male gender also witness these abuses and also pay the ultimate price like the female folks.

The perpetrators of these acts are usually not apprehended and in cases where they are, they barely get a smack on the wrist as our current laws on rape do not serve as deterent to prevent reoccurrence.

Hence, I Aderonke Dairo, strongly suggest more severe punishment for convicted rapists. This punishment will serve as deterent to acts of rape.

Please join me in signing this petition.

Aderonke Omo Dairo Foundation.

The foundation intervenes in societal issues of sexual assault, unemployment and poverty by providing rehabilitation to victims, empowerment and poverty alleviation initiatives