Restiveness and violence in Anambra State and the Southeast region pose a significant threat to the prospects of marriage and family formation for women, according to a report from the Anambra Truth, Justice, and Peace Commission (ATJPC).
The Executive Summary of the report, provided to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, highlighted the demographic challenges arising from the ongoing unrest in the region.
The report emphasized the adverse impact of violence on women, citing instances of killings, rape, and loss of husbands and sons. It highlighted the structural problem of demographic sustainability, noting that the prevalence of violence has made it increasingly difficult for women to find suitable partners for marriage, potentially leaving them unmarried and reproductively unfulfilled.
“It has reduced the likelihood that women will be able to find suitable mating or marriageable partners while also increasing the likelihood that females will end up unmarried and reproductively unfulfilled,” the report stated.
The report recounted specific cases of violence, such as the killings of Amaka Igwe and Harira Jubril, underscoring the devastating impact on families and communities. It noted the economic implications for women, including widowhood, enforced childlessness, and loss of livelihoods.
Furthermore, the report highlighted the challenges faced by women in accessing essential services and healthcare in rural areas due to the destruction of infrastructure and the fear among healthcare workers.
In addition to the immediate consequences of violence, the report warned of long-term effects on education and development, particularly affecting young boys’ enrollment and retention in schools. It emphasized the setback to progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Anambra State, with implications for peace, prosperity, and social stability.
Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman of the ATJPC, reiterated the urgency of addressing the root causes of insecurity to safeguard the well-being and future prospects of women and children in Anambra and the Southeast region.
