Foundation Leads Global Stand Against Violence On Women, Girls

The Women at Risk International Foundation has led over 8,000 participants in 13 cities worldwide in the 7th Global No Tolerance March, aimed at ending violence against women and girls.

The marches were held recently to mark the UN 16 Days of Activism and drew attention to digital abuse and other forms of violence targeting women and girls globally.

The annual march, organised under the theme “UNITE to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” took place in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Accra, Nairobi, London, Paris, Frankfurt, New York, Atlanta, Houston, and Washington DC.

Communities, survivors, advocates, and organisations joined forces to send a unified message of solidarity.

In Lagos, the march across the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge was flagged off by the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter, who said the demonstration really makes a difference.

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; and representatives of government agencies and partner organisations also attended.

In Abuja, over 5,000 participants marched from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to the Old Parade Ground.

The event, organised in partnership with the ministry, UN Women, Medicaid Foundation, and about 25 civil society groups, was flagged off by Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, CEO of Medicaid Foundation, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

The International Youth Development Foundation, led by Mr Rabiu Hassan Lawal, and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, headed by Mr Abdullahi A. Usman, were also in attendance.

In Accra, Ghana, women’s groups and faith-based organisations marched across the Legon Botanical Gardens, in partnership with the Springboard Road Show Foundation.

Founder Comfort Ocran said the march reaffirmed that “safety is a right.” Similar marches were held in Nairobi, London, Paris, Frankfurt, New York, Atlanta, Houston, and Washington DC, led by WARIF ambassadors and community advocates.

Founder of WARIF, Dr Kemi DaSilva Ibru, said the global turnout reflects growing awareness of gender-based violence.

“Communities that once felt disconnected now recognise that violence against women and girls is a global crisis that demands collective action,” she said.

She added that the march has empowered young people, encouraged survivors to speak up, and strengthened collaboration among support organisations worldwide.

Proceeds from the marches would fund essential post-incident services, including forensic medical care, psychosocial counselling, and social welfare support for survivors of sexual violence.

WARIF also acknowledged corporate partners in Lagos, including Access Bank, Arami, ALARA, Chevron, House on the Rock, IFC, May & Baker, MedPlus, NGX, NNPC, Reddington Hospital, SAPETRO, TAFTA, Templars, Unity Hill Church, Womenovate, among others.

Media partners such as Beat FM, BellaNaija, Global Citizen, Lagos Talks, News Central, Nigeria Info, Punch, The Guardian, NAN, ThisDay Style, Women Radio, and Wazobia were recognised for amplifying the message.

The Foundation urged governments, institutions, and communities to sustain efforts to end violence against women and girls worldwide.

Established in 2016, WARIF provides medical, psychosocial, educational, and community-based interventions aimed at reducing sexual violence, rape, and human trafficking in Nigeria and beyond.