The peaceful EndSars protest turned violent on Tuesday 20th of October causing an uproar in different parts of the nation particularly in Lagos State. In Lagos State, Governor Sanwo-Olu said there was no fatality recorded in the gunshot incident that occurred at the Lekki tollgate during the ENDSARS protest on Tuesday night. A report has it that about three buses were filled with armed thugs on the popular Ahmadu Bello Way. Another report says that the thugs were escorted by two Prada vehicles whose riders were masked to cover their identities.
With the recent happenings, I am particularly persuaded that women can play a major role in calming the tensed situation in. Nigeria:
. Using the correct body language and behaviour:
The body language we choose for ourselves are powerful, they can create truly safe spaces for us by creating a sense of home in the unknown; a sense of comfort in newness. With this, we can confront the chaos of our cities and still feel safe. We can insist on embracing peace and preaching it in our homes and neighbourhood.
.Positive parenting:
At this point what we tell our children is very important, our conversation with our children concerning the nation should be positive at this time.Across the world, evidence is growing that parenting courses can help families immensely reduce violence against the nation at large and even reduce violence between parents. Let us intentionally encourage our children and wards to embrace peace. Violence is never an option.
.Healing Trauma:
Violence causes trauma but trauma can also cause violence.Trauma comes in many forms, from parental conflict to senseless shootings to the pain inflicted by loss of loved ones. Addressing this damage, for example through trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy could help to break the cycle of violence.
Like the mother hen, most women are gifted with the warmth that is required by trauma patient. It could be just the right words in form of messages and sharing some essentials like food with the young people.
.Female Self Defence:
Feminist Self-Defence training and some recent randomised controlled trials have demonstrated dramatic results of reduced violence, women should also be able to fight in defense for themselves if attacked unaware. Women must not be cowered by the evil around us and accept that we are the weaker vessels. We should stand up for ourselves and our loved ones even in times like this.
. Policing with communities:
Policing doesn’t have to be limited to iron-first interventions. Women forming groups that build trust between their communities and other communities together with security agents has reaped immense benefits across the world: In Brazil, community-oriented policing contributed to a dramatic crime drop. We can start from our little online groups to preach justice and fairness and be seen to living up to it. Make no mistakes, criminals know good people and research has shown that they usually respect honourable people. Stand for justice always.
There is never too much to give for peace and justice at a time like this. We must rise to the occasion and challenge evil to leave our land. It is about time. Let's do this!
Comments