By: Josh Schlicht, AFJN Intern
June 24, 2021
In the last year, a twitter trend known as the #WeAreTired Movement has taken Nigerian social media by storm. This tag advocates for the women of Nigeria, who are tired of sexual and domestic violence which is often ignored by Nigerian society and government.
The #WeAreTired trend began after the murder of a 22 year old University of Benin student named Uwaila Vera Omozuwa in June of 2020. She was brutally sexually assaulted and killed by a group of men in her church in the city of Benin. Her family claims the Police did not take her investigation seriously, and tried to extort Omozuwa’s family for money. The case has gained international attention after thousands of Nigerians voiced their anger on social media. The online movement and in person protesters demand justice, equality, and police reform.
The heinous and cowardly murder of Uwaila Vera is unfortunately only one of thousands of cases of gender based and sexual violence in Nigeria. UNICEF estimates that 1 in every 4 girls in Nigeria experience sexual abuse as children1. This shocking and horrific statistic is accompanied by the fact that only 32 rape cases were convicted in Nigeria from 2019-20202. The justice system of Nigeria is failing to protect the women and girls of Nigeria, and serve justice to their abusers.
According to reports from Nigeria, gender based violence is widespread and often unreported. Other notable cases of senseless brutaility and violence against women that recieved international attention include:
-Iniubong Umorem was raped then killed by a man who invited her for a job interview on April 26th of 20215
-Oyeronke Otunla, a recent university graduate, was found dead following a rape in May of 20214
-Omowumi Blessing Olajida, a level 300 student, was raped and killed on June 3, 20213
Let us join the #WeAreTired Movement in solidarity with the women of Nigeria who have experienced violence of any kind. Join the Africa Faith and Justice Network in our mission to promote this movement beyond the borders of Nigeria, so that women all over the world may be given a voice in speaking out against abuse.
1. https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/child-protection
2. https://www.naptip.gov.ng/resources-new/
3. https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/police-confirm-rape-murder-of-unilorin-student/
4. https://www.thecable.ng/uniabuja-graduate-raped-murdered-in-fct
5. https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/world-57111009