The Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, has advised women to refrain from engaging in arguments with their husbands and instead opt for silence to prevent potential harm.
Kennedy-Ohaneye delivered this counsel during a Conference of Commissioners of State Ministries of Women Affairs in Nigeria held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Emphasizing the importance of avoiding verbal confrontations, she highlighted that maintaining peace within the household could significantly reduce the risk of physical assault and its dire consequences.
She stated, “I urge women to refrain from provoking conflicts, even within the confines of their homes. A peaceful household largely hinges on the woman’s contribution, which is paramount. Silence does not denote foolishness but wisdom.”
Encouraging women to exercise restraint, she advised them to refrain from retaliating when faced with verbal aggression from their spouses. Instead, she advocated for patience and strategic behavior, asserting that responding with aggression often escalates the situation, potentially resulting in physical harm.
Kennedy-Ohaneye also called for legislative measures to address gender-based violence and sexual offenses, proposing the establishment of a mobile court for expeditious trials. She pledged to spearhead efforts to enact such laws and ensure their enforcement.
Additionally, she announced plans to launch an integrity group tasked with overseeing the proper utilization of funds allocated for women’s empowerment initiatives. Citing concerns over the mismanagement of donor funds, she emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in uplifting women across the country.
