Over the years, civilised society has put in concerted efforts to protect women through laws that are gender-specific due to the burden and effects of traditional, cultural and religious beliefs which erode their basic human rights. There are also laws against sexual harassment of women in places of work, laws related to marriage, divorce which give legal basis for equality in marriage, laws on safe motherhood and laws relating to property. But while these laws are there to protect women, can they misuse the laws for selfish reasons like anger, revenge or blackmail? The misuse of feminine laws is being taken to next level that its very complex to understand and will affect innocent women who have genuine cases even when it involves cases of mental harassment and online sexual harassment. While it is not all women that misuse the feminine laws, the few engaged in this are putting a negative spin on women protection, leading to calls for gender friendly laws from advocates.

Source: Nigerian Tribune April 12, 2023 08:52 UTC