By Sharon LaFraniere, New York Times, August 11, 2005.

In Nigeria, one in three women report having been physically abused by a male partner. Yet, with a population of nearly 130 million people, the country has only two shelters for battered women. Boys are taught from an early age of their superiority over girls. In adulthood, men expect to be able to control women – even in relationships based on love. According to Sharon LaFraniere, “Nigeria’s penal code, in force in the Muslimdominated north, specifically allows husbands to discipline their wives – just as it allows parents and teachers to discipline children – as long as they do not inflict grievous harm. Assault laws could apply, but the police typically see wife-beating as an exception.”
- This summary was written by the World Peace Forum News (no.17, August 29, 2005).

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