Empowering Girls Through Education and Health Access to Break Cycles of Gender Violence

Anything Gender Podcast – Special 16 Days of Activism Episode Season ? · Episode ? · Air date: December 4 2025 🎙️ Episode Overview In this "ENYtinG Gender" special, host Sharmin Prince interviews Dr. Nwadinobi (also known as Dr. Nwadanobi), President of the Widows Development Organization, founding co-chair of Every Woman Retreat, and the first Nigerian to lead the Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA).. Together they unpack the full life‑course of violence against women and girls—from lack of education, early/forced marriage, obstetric fistula, domestic abuse, and harmful widowhood practices, to the rising tide of cyber‑violence. The conversation is framed by the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender‑Based Violence (Nov 25 – Dec 10), linking local stories in Nigeria to the global push for a binding treaty to end all forms of VAWG. ⏱️ Rough Timestamp Guide TimeSegmentHighlights00:00‑02:15IntroductionSharmin introduces the 16-Day campaign and welcomes Dr. Nwadinobi.04:01‑07:20Personal Mantra“Encouragement is like sunlight to a closed flower.”07:21‑12:00Education & VulnerabilityHow lack of schooling makes girls susceptible to violence, reproductive‑health ignorance, and early marriage.12:01‑18:30Obstetric Fistula & Early MarriageMedical explanation of obstructed labor, fistula, stigma, and barriers to treatment.18:31‑24:45Domestic Violence TriggersEveryday household tensions that explode into beatings; cultural context.24:46‑33:15Widowhood AbuseShaving, forced mourning, incarceration, disinheritance, levirate marriage, and the ripple effect on HIV/STIs.33:16‑38:40Documenting & AdvocatingFrom sitting in the sand with a grieving widow to gathering testimonies, confronting traditional/religious leaders, and drafting policy.38:41‑44:20Legislative WinsEnugu State Widow’s Rights Bill (2001) & National Parliament law (2015) outlawing widowhood practices & FGM.44:21‑51:00Cyber‑Violence Spotlight58 % of women experience online abuse; 90‑95 % of deep‑fake sexual content targets women; threats to journalists.51:01‑55:30Call to Global TreatyDr. Wadinobi’s vision of a binding international treaty to end all VAWG, likening it to the global tobacco treaty.55:31‑58:00Closing & Next StepsHost’s reflections, encouragement to listeners, teaser for next episode. (Exact timestamps may vary slightly; use as a navigation guide.) 🌟 Key Takeaways Violence is a lifelong continuum – the same girl who is denied education later faces forced marriage, obstetric complications, and domestic abuse.Cultural practices can be deadly – harmful widowhood customs (shaving, levirate, disinheritance) perpetuate gender‑based violence and public‑health crises.Documenting lived experiences is a catalyst for policy – grassroots testimonies helped draft Nigeria’s first Widow’s Rights Bill (2001) and a national law (2015).Cyber‑violence is the new frontier – more than half of women worldwide encounter online abuse; deep‑fake porn is a weaponized epidemic.International treaties work – the success of the global tobacco treaty offers a model for a binding VAWG treaty. 📣 Memorable Quotes “Encouragement is like sunlight to a closed flower.” – Dr. Nwadinobi“We lock our elbows, arm‑in‑arm, to face the front lines.” – Dr. Nwadinobi“Violence against women and girls must be relegated to the history books.” – Dr. Wadinobi 👤 About the Guest RoleHighlightsPresident, Widows Development OrganizationLeads programs supporting widows across Nigeria, drives policy advocacy.Founding Co‑Chair, Every Woman RetreatCoalition pushing for a global treaty to end VAWG.Former President, Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA)First Nigerian to hold the post in the association’s 100‑year history.Hall of Fame – First Achievers (Nigeria)Recognized for pioneering leadership & advocacy.Featured in “The Hands That Build Nigeria”Celebrated as a national role model. 📚 Resources Mentioned Widows Development Organization – www.widowsng.org (programs, reports, ways to support)Every Woman Retreat – www.everywomanretreat.org (global advocacy network)Medical Women’s International Association – www.mwia.org (research, leadership opportunities)Nigeria’s Widow’s Rights Bill (2001) – PDF link (parliamentary archives)National Widowhood & FGM Law (2015) – Official Gazette (link)Global Cyber‑Violence Statistics – UN Women Report 2024 (link)Deep‑Fake Awareness Toolkit – Amnesty International (link) 📣 Call to Action Listen & Share – Spread this episode to amplify the message during the 16 Days of Activism.Support Widows – Donate or volunteer with the Widows Development Organization.Advocate for Policy – Email your local MP to demand a national VAWG treaty; reference the Nigerian successes.Combat Cyber‑Abuse – Report online harassment, support platforms that ban ...