Saudatu Mahdi

Saudatu Mahdi (born 20 April 1957) is a Nigerian women's rights advocate. She is the Secretary General of Women's Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA).She has published over 20 books focusing on violence against women, women’s rights, Shari’a and women and women in education. Mahdi led the team that fought and won the acquittal for a Nigerian woman who was sentenced to death by hanging because she had a child out of wedlock. Quotes The Nigerian woman believes in equality but not sameness. She fights for equality but not at the detriment of the family. From a public statement on debates surrounding CEDAW and women's rights in Nigeria, explaining that Nigerian women seek equality while preserving positive cultural and family values. We need to have zero tolerance to injustice. Speaking during a panel discussion at the Kaduna Book and Arts Festival (KABAFEST), she called for stronger laws and political courage to protect the rights of girls and women. Education, legislation and justice are the pillars that will liberate women from inhibiting practices. From the same KABAFEST discussion, outlining the three key areas she believes are necessary for advancing women's rights in Northern Nigeria. Educated Northern women should come out to do more for other less privileged ones. Urging educated women to mentor and support disadvantaged women rather than remaining detached from community challenges. Women need to organise, not agonise over these issues and work in cooperation. Encouraging women to build collective action and collaborate with men in advancing women's rights and social justice. We need a functional and apt legal framework to fight the cause of women. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a WRAPA retreat, Mahdi called on the Federal Government to criminalize all forms of domestic violence against women and stressed the importance of a strong legal framework to protect women's rights. Most families treat domestic violence as a family issue and so fuel the trend. Explaining why domestic violence remains widespread, she argued that treating abuse as a private family matter discourages reporting and accountability. This reported cases does not suggest increment, it is just that the cases were not reported in the past. Commenting on rape statistics in Nigeria, she explained that increased reporting reflected greater awareness rather than necessarily an increase in the incidence of rape. There are still many unreported cases of rapes and other forms of assaults against women and girls in the country hence the need for concerted efforts to arrest the situation. This reported cases does not suggest increment, it is just that the cases were not reported in the past. It is not enough for us to condemn violence against women and girls; we need to put money where our mouth is. Speaking at a stakeholders' dialogue on violence against women and girls, she urged governments, organizations, and communities to invest resources in prevention and survivor support rather than relying on statements of concern alone. Violence against women and girls is not inevitable; it can be prevented through deliberate action, accountability and sustained commitment. From her foreword to WRAPA's *Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Case Study Compendium*, emphasizing that gender-based violence can be prevented through coordinated efforts by governments, communities, and institutions. Every survivor deserves access to justice, protection and quality support services without discrimination. From the same publication, stressing the need for survivor-centred responses to violence against women and girls. Ending violence against women requires the active participation of governments, communities, families and individuals. Discussing the collective responsibility needed to eliminate violence against women and girls. Evidence-based interventions remain essential in addressing gender-based violence and strengthening justice systems. Highlighting the importance of research, documentation and data in designing effective responses to violence against women. External links Category:Women activists from Nigeria Category:Women's rights activists Category:1957 births Category:Women born in the 1950s Category:Living people