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By Monica Ango (Community manager, Nigeria)
Monica P Ango, an ambassador of the World Women Observatory (WWO), is deeply concerned about the case of Anna (name changed for privacy), a bright and beautiful young girl from Nigeria. Anna grew up with her mother and stepfather, who married her mother when she was just three years old. Initially, the stepfather was kind and loving, providing for Anna's needs and showering her with affection, which made her love him like her biological father.
However, when Anna turned twelve, the stepfather's affection turned into abuse, violating her innocence and trust. He manipulated her into silence by threatening her with death if she revealed the truth. As the abuse continued, Anna became withdrawn and depressed, and her relationship with her mother deteriorated, while the stepfather maintained a facade of normalcy.
The situation escalated when Anna became pregnant. Forced to reveal the truth, her world was turned upside down. The stepfather, without remorse, claimed paternity, citing his wife's inability to bear a child. The case is now being handled by the Ministry of Human Affairs and Social Development.
Anna and her mother are undergoing psychological therapy to cope with the trauma. Meanwhile, the community is pressuring the stepfather to perform a ritual of cleansing to claim the child. This disturbing demand highlights the entrenched cultural and societal issues surrounding sexual abuse.
The story of Anna serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of sexual abuse and the urgent need for advocacy, support, and cultural shift.
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