Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #115580

Olufunke Adesuwa Akiyode, BSc, WARDC, 9917, Doubletree Lane, springdale, MD 20774, 12404222900, adesuwaak@yahoo.com

World Health Organization defined health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of diseases. Human Rights are those basic rights which all humans share to meet the most fundamental of human needs. The paper describes the relationship between gender, reproductive health and human rights which can become evident in issues of violence against women and children (domestic violence, sexual abuse and so on), slavery, torture, harmful traditional practices, poverty, reproductive health violations, and links it with women's health and human rights violations in Nigeria. These violations are clearly shown in the high rate of domestic violence and sexual abuse. The manner of police investigation of rape in Nigeria is a second rape of the victim and victims prefer to suffer physical and emotional trauma in silence than seek justice. Women need permission from their husbands to access reproductive health needs (an example of reproductive health rights violation). Government response to health and human rights in Nigeria is also worthy of note, most rights related to health stated in the constitution (section 17) are not enforceable in court, hence the government do not feel responsible towards this rights. The failure of the government to protect women's human and reproductive health rights has made Nigeria one of the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates and some Nigerian laws still allow a man to beat his wife in as much as it does not cause grievous harm.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to describe the health and human rights situation in Nigeria and its relationship with women in Nigeria; compare the Nigerian situation with other countries and proffer solutions and recommendations.

Keywords: Gender, Human Rights

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.