By Lolade Ajayi
The Executive Director of DOHS Cares Foundation, Ms. Lolade Ajayi, has stated that in the light of the recent waves of Femicide Plaguing Nigeria (There are now 22 reported cases of Femicide in Nigeria in 2025, as of February 16, 2025) and reactions to the posting of these cases, it has become imperative to educate the populace by clarifying what Femicide.
According to Ajayi, “Femicide is the intentional killing of Women and Girls Usually by Men who are their intimate partners, relatives or close acquaintances.
“Femicide is used to distinguish how and why women and girls are killed which is different from how men and boys are killed (Dawson & Mobayed Vega 2023)
“According to the United Nations Statistical Framework for Classifying Femicide. There are 10 variables which are used to identify Sex/Gender gender-related motives and Indicators (SGRMIs) ; Women and Girls killed by Intimate Partners, Women and Girls killed by Family Members, Previous record of Harassment/Violence, Illegal Deprivation of Her Liberty, Use of Force and or Mutilation, Body Disposed in a Public Space, Sexual Violence committed before or after killing, Victim was a sex worker, Hate Crime motivated by bias against women/girls, Victims of trafficking or illegal exploitation.”
In light of the above, DOHS Cares Foundation reiterated that Femicide Deniers should take caution when commenting on its posts as their insensitive statements further traumatise families/loved ones of Victims left behind by these deadly acts and still processing their grief.
Ajayi further stated: “Also, we’d like to call upon the Nigerian National Assembly and State House of Representatives to consider once again the Proposed Bill on Femicide submitted by DOHS Cares Foundation in other to ensure appropriate sanctions for perpetrators of femicide and justice for victims ultimately sending forth a message of zero tolerance for femicide in Nigeria.”
