Kemi DaSilva-Ibru: Breaking The Bias Of Gender-Based Violence In Nigeria

The increasing menace and challenges faced by women and the girl child in the Nigerian space are fast becoming a topical issue to be addressed, possibly with an iron fist. The discourse on sexual violence and other issues that threaten the welfare and safety of the female gender was once hushed but for the works of the likes of Dr Kemi DaSilva Ibru, there is the drawing scrutiny to a neglected issue that has grasped many Nigerian homes for centuries.

Since the initiation of Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF centre) in 2016, it has provided succour to survivors of Gender-Based Violence. With 78% of the survivors taken in under the age of 18 (and the youngest under the age of 2), she noted that many solely depended on the perpetrator as their caregiver.

“A prominent telltale sign of a child abuser is the act of grooming- the process in which the perpetrator gradually gains the trust of the child with the intention of becoming sexually abusive.

“Other signs involve a spouse or partner’s controlling behaviour and constantly making a survivor feel belittled, fearful and ashamed through acts of physical, verbal, financial or emotional abuse. The abuser will try to come between this survivor and those who are supportive and to make them feel more dependent and isolated.”

Being Dr DaSilva

A medical practitioner with over 25 years of experience, Dr DaSilva Ibru is the founder of WARIF, or in a more subtle tone, she is the queen boss of WARIF. Through her career, Dr DaSilva Ibru has garnered more to her name as a practising gynaecologist, an OBGYN specialist merged with being a Doctor in Philosophy- PhD Public Health and Policy Gender-Based Violence (GBV). 

Moved by her innate desire for humanity, Kemi walks the path of medicine and public health that leads up to her public services of survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Nigeria through WARIF. 

Dr DaSilva-Ibru who has an unassuming outlook that carries a petite frame and a charming personality, says that serving is a privilege and finds fulfilment in their healing. 

“I have seen the faces of the many women and girls on their first visit at the Centre, downcast as they disclose these horrific encounters. With the proper medical attention and counselling, the healing process begins. You see the transformation and it is a joy to behold. Women take back their power and girls own their spaces and become empowered. They return each month with new confidence to the group sessions and share their stories with others, encouraging each other. We have even had a few join as volunteers –and some become full-time advocates against GBV. This is rejuvenating and alleviates any emotional fatigue I may feel. It strengthens one, making you want to do more and leave no one behind.”

The Ways Of WARIF 

For the past 5 years, since the doors of the WARIF opened its Rape Crisis Centre, WARIF has successfully addressed 3000 cases of rape, sexual violence, child sexual abuse and sex trafficking.

A huge part of its given success is its data collection which includes a track of the thousands of cases, and an analysis of how to spot an abuser.

WARIF centre also adopts a fully survivor-centred approach when tackling each case. This grants complete access to a full list of essential services that are all free of charge. This includes forensic medical examinations and care, the provision of testing for HIV and pregnancy, the administration of post-exposure prophylactic drugs for HIV, as well as individual and group psychosocial counselling sessions. The social welfare needs of each survivor, such as accommodation and legal aid, are also met.  

In her big heart to ensure that she addresses other issues that have spiked the increase in violence against women visible with Covid-19 lockdown, WARIF centre has a package to offer to the male gender in society. She tells Guardian Life that WARIF’s plan of involving men and boys in the conversation is key. This, she is doing through the WARIF Boys Conversation Café- an after-school mentoring program offered in all secondary schools to boys between the ages of 13 and 17 to change their prevailing mindset on the issues of violence against women and girls and encourage more equitable behaviour. 

WARIF has also undertaken the responsibility of sensitising such as traditional rulers, law enforcement officers and boys and men on ending the violence against women and girls.

Help Is On The Way

Being a survivor usually comes with the aftermath of consequences that leave survivors at crossroads emotionally. Hence, such scenarios insights depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and possibly suicide when they find themselves in such situations. 

Dr Ibru says that WARIF’s counsellors have treated cases like this. Its specially trained experts offer the necessary post-incident one on one psycho-social counselling sessions, subsequent monthly group counselling sessions. “For those geographically too far away to attend these in-person sessions or in need of anonymity, teleconsultations are offered on our 24-hour toll-free helpline 0800-9210- 0009. WARIF also has a strong referral system that includes inpatient care attended to by collaborating with psychiatric facilities,” she adds.

From a professional standpoint, gender-based violence lurks behind the veil of patriarchy, and this involves communal shaming and blaming. This kind of behaviour diminishes self-worth and increases the resignation that floods the feelings of a survivor. Subsequently, this affects the education of adolescent girls and women. The withdrawal from public space, Dr DaSilva Ibru, says “amounts to loss of days and earnings due to the persisting physical and emotional abuse that spills to her performance and productivity in the workforce.”

UNESCO’S data reaffirm this stance. Their data suggests that at least 70% of girls in Nigeria attend primary education, less than 10% attend tertiary education, affecting their future opportunities. As women make up almost half the population of the nation, this has a larger adverse impact on the social development of the society.

Dr DaSilva-Ibru notes, “The social biases of her enabling community lead to poor reporting of these cases and poor conviction rates, so rape has become permissible and this systemic problem is seen in Nigeria today, where a rape culture exists.”

“Advocating against all forms of violence and enlightening women on their rights, to speak up and seeking justice is a collective responsibility we must all recognise. Offering safe platforms for survivors to speak their truth without fear of reappraisals and community survivor shaming is as important. Provision of essential services to survivors and the opportunity to seek justice against their perpetrators must also be made available.”

My word vs Your word vs justice

False rape claim is a global occurrence. Globally, an average of 8% of false rape claims have been reported. Dr DaSilva Ibru tells Guardian Life that WARIF Rape Crisis Centre has had very few cases and this typically stems from an act of revenge.

“It must be noted however that false rape accusations very rarely lead to wrongful convictions and jail time and the general thinking is the fact that the numbers of these claims are so insufficient when compared to the number of real rape cases that are never reported that all cases should be taken seriously and investigated.”  

Clearly, the commitment of WARIF in the eradication of rape culture and domestic violence in Nigeria is unquestionable. During the first year of the COVID –19 pandemic in June 2020, the “shadow pandemic” became evident with an increase in the number of cases of GBV reported globally, including Nigeria. WARIF recorded a 64% increase in the number of calls made by women to its helpline, while Nigeria, for the first time, acknowledged this national crisis with the Federal Government declaring a National State of Emergency against Rape.

As a proud member of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, the agency has been instrumental in many of the success stories related to protecting many survivors seen at the Centre and the prosecution of their perpetrators.

Unwinding from the hard work she puts in, and the harsh realities women and girls face every day, Dr DaSilva Ibru says she likes to spend quality time in the company of her family and friends. She also enjoys the outdoors and spending a fair amount of time on activities like running.