WARDC Calls For Increased Funding For SGBV Programs

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has urged governments, donors, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to increase funding for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) programs to address the growing issue effectively.

Speaking at a two-day national meeting on gender budgeting and accountability, WARDC’s Founding Director, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, highlighted the need for sustained political will and adequate resource allocation.

The event, organized in collaboration with the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), was part of the activities marking the 2024 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

“States must align their action plans with federal laws like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and dedicate budgetary resources to SGBV initiatives,” Akiyode-Afolabi said.

She also called on influential stakeholders, including first ladies, to champion gender-related issues, despite lacking direct budgetary powers.

Nigeria’s representative to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia emphasized that gender-responsive budgeting is essential for addressing the economic and social costs of SGBV.

She noted the need for a dedicated gender budget monitoring office to ensure accountability and effective implementation.

“When violence occurs, society bears the cost in health care, lost productivity, and disrupted education. Investing in gender budgets is key to sustainable development,” Eghobamien-Mshelia said.

Professor Kehinde Olayode of Obafemi Awolowo University called for a multi-sectoral approach to combat SGBV, backed by enforceable laws.

“Advocacy alone is not enough. Without legal backing and proper implementation, progress will remain limited,” he warned.

The speakers urged immediate action to ensure SGBV programs are adequately funded, stressing that addressing the issue is crucial for achieving gender equity and fostering national development.