As advocates all over the world commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, from November 25 to December 10 which ends with Human Rights day, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) is seeking funding to tackle this menace.

Founding Director, WARDC, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi noted that the annual campaign serves as a vital reminder of the urgent need to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and to promote gender equality and women’s rights in Nigeria.

“This year, as we count our gains, we raise a campaign to demand that state governments create funding to end Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV). It is worthy of note that 34 states have now domesticated the Violence Against Persons Prohibition(VAPP) Act in Nigeria. WARDC has been at the rallying point of the domestication of the VAPP Act across Nigeria and specifically in Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Ogun states.”

Akiyode-Afolabi however noted that Nigerian women want more. “There is an urgent need for state governments to put action behind words and create a fund to tackle SGBV. This fund will cover the creation and management of shelters for victims, training of first responders, create and/or strengthen reporting mechanisms, and offer legal and psychosocial support to survivors.

“WARDC has led the charge. We have worked with stakeholders and state governments to develop Costed Action Plans in Adamawa, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Cross River, Osun, Ogun, Kwara and Borno states, and counting. We call on all stakeholders- government, civil society, and individuals- to take decisive action to end GBV.”

While noting that it recognises silence only perpetuates the cycle of violence and marginalisation, she said it is time to amplify the voices of survivors, challenge harmful societal norms, and promote systemic changes that protect and empower women and girls.
“Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, WARDC will host a series of events, including social media campaigns, aimed at fostering dialogue and mobilising community action towards a future free from violence.”