We Tell It Africa

-Nelly Nwaka' Ohuche There has been an interestingly sad twist to spousal abuse in Nigeria that until recently had enjoyed the conspiracy of silence. A conspiracy that makes the victim hide in shame, hinged on unrealistic cultural, societal and egotistic expectations. It is a twist that has turned the tables and ironically seems to make a mockery of the victim. It is agreed that over the ages, women have been the most victims of spousal abuse and have become endangered species. The campaign against Spousal abuse has gained great popularity in Nigeria however it has been tilted in favor of the female folks, and this has worked against the male folks who have been left out of the campaign. Spousal Violence against men is violence perpetuated by the female folks against men & boys in intimate relationships. These silent populations of men face similar battles women faced before the recognition of spousal abuse. Due to the general perception and outdated narrative that men cannot

Sarah had a very interesting personality, a very energetic and fun loving lady. She was one of those who would gladly shatter the glass ceilings, not to spite the men folks but just because she could. If she were a man, she would be said to be an achiever, and like we will say, she could be compared to a ‘hundred yards of husband material’. However, for ‘concerned’ family and friends, she was ‘not complete’ even with everything working for her?! Yes!!! They insisted time was running out on her. Afterall, she was 30 years and not getting any younger. Her biological clock was ticking and soon men would start running away from her as she would start looking ‘old’. She never did understand the rush. For her, it was only a matter of time before she finds a husband. Regardless of her take, these ‘concerned sympathizers’ wouldn’t hear of it, they were looking out for her. So, in the quest to getting her ‘fulfilled’ as a woman, took it upon themselves to haunt for a man on her behalf. Did they