#AARTalk June edition with @Ehjeerho

MEET OUR JUNE SPEAKERS ON #AARTALK: EJIRO LELORA AUSTEN TIMIDI DIGBA OMOLERE MATTHEW ADEDOYIN OLUWABUNMI SOBOWALE.
Twitter handles: @Ehjeerho @SuperGirlTimidi @adedoyinmatthew @Bunmi_Sobowale

EJIRO LELORA AUSTEN WAS OUR 1ST GUEST SPEAKER ON THE JUNE EDITION OF #AARTalk. SHE SHARED ON "CURBING RAPE BEYOND LEGAL SANCTION."



In this session our guest proffered solutions that could be looked into beyond legal sanctions. It was quite an educative and eye-opening session. Have a good read.......#ENJOY

Good Evening Every one.

First, I would like to say thank you to my sister @Bunmi Sobowale you are a great woman!
For the privilege to share on the same platform graced by other great minds. I am elated!

Curbing Rape Beyond Legal Sanctions. Here We go.

There's this conversation we have had for way too long, but no more. Not today!

You see, the Criminal Code Act defines Rape as unlawful carnal knowledge of a 'girl/woman'

...without consent or with consent where obtained by force.

Sadly, 'Legally' speaking a Man can't be raped...but this in itself is a topic for another day.

So, a lady is raped. Investigations are carried out and Trial commences.

Yes, we herald our justice system as efficient and reliable when the criminals are brought to book.
A sentence of Life Imprisonment with or without flogging is meted out to the offenders

While the severity of the offence of rape cannot be over emphasized
 ... as prescribed for the offence of Rape by the Criminal Code Act.

 It's not surprising that stiffer laws ranging from longer jail term to a date with the hangman's noose are being canvassed.

Yet I wonder if this would ever be commensurate and appropriate for the pain and trauma caused...?

As we are quick to think; she asked for it, besides she wore a provocative dress,

exposed her laps and cleavages. Good for her...we walk away as the stigma remains.

Now, the deed has been done. Behind bars with nothing to fear yet her tortuous memories remain.

Where are the structures put in place to cater for the survivors?

How readily available and accessible are Medical /psychological evaluation for them?

But.. wait, what about others who didn't get justice done due to lack of substantive evidence?

Thankfully, a Bill has been proposed for Witness protection and Medical care for Survivors.

You know proving rape is not as easy as you think.

Imagine how revolutionary it would be to make use of Forensic Analysis

Traces of DNA from Semen, Saliva, Hair, Blood. Is this possible or have i seen too many episodes of CSI.

Back to the matter.

Alas!! Justice is served.

You see, within the walls of remand homes and prisons are structures supposedly put in place

To rehabilitate and reform, yet very few go in there and return better .

Some harbor hate, pain and revenge rather than be contrite for their deeds

 ...little wonder some victims are bullied into silence about their assailant

 If stiffer legal sanctions are the panacea to rape ,why does it not deter subsequent crimes ?

This for me is the crux of this discourse!

You see, while rape may be said to be triggered by provocation or the need to relieve sexual tension.

In my opinion it is the resultant effect of a dire need to show power

 ...an exaggerated sense of masculinity, dominance, control , authority, sexual aggression

...Which is expressed to intimidate, overpower, humiliate and debase ones victim.

A state of the mind built over years of thwarted ideologies of male sexual entitlement and non existent value system.

Same reason why Spousal Rape is widely condoned and ignored in our climes.

Ours is a patriarchal society which reinforces the stereotypes against women.

... in making and implementing laws/sanctions respectively to curb the terrifying

Unfortunately the dystopian reality we are in is one where men rape but we educate ladies on how not to get raped

Where mothers teach their daughters on the need for sexual purity

Yet caution their Sons not to impregnate any one

 Anomaly or what?!

We often hear and participate in seminars and classes for ladies on how to prevent rap

We Read books and blogs on how victims got closure and their process of healing.

Countless NGO's and Initiatives born out of passion are set up to cater to survivors.

I am sorry, but If this is a problem that is created and perpetuated by a man, this is a problem that a man can help solve.

We need fathers to start to have 'the talk' with their sons about respect for female folks.

We need Artistes and Celebrities to use their art, skill and brands to sensitize and promote the message.

We need Male Advocates and Mentors our young boys can look up to.

The Family being foremost an agent of socialization wherein morals, values are instilled must arise to the occasion.

As a society we must begin to do what we can to have this necessary conversations.

This paradigm shift must first occur within before we can effectively curb rape.

We must begin to act Now! Whether you are a parent or not, this is something that will affect you.

Whether or not she wears a short skirt, walks alone in the evening...she does not deserve to be raped.

If not you, your Daughter, Sister, Mother, Fiancée, Wife or Colleague at least some other person out here knows someone

 No justifications for rape. Never!

Until we win the raging war in the minds...we can't effectively curb rape.

 This paradigm shift is indeed the panacea for effectively curbing rape.

 Thank you once again to @Bunmi_Sobowale and to all who joined in. I appreciate you all.

 To know more about my passion and interests, you can find it on http://theideallady.org

 Thank you Again. It's been my pleasure.

@KICKagainstRAPE do you know there's a 2 months limitation period to bring a complaint of rape. If after that you might be On You Own.

@Ehjeerho: @KICKagainstRAPE I can't even imagine. I wish it on no one.



Ejiro Lelora Austen is Barrister In A Bit. Family, Love & Relationship Enthusiast. Youngest Legislator Delta State House of Assembly. You can connect with her on twitter....