With about 10,000 women and girls facing various forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) daily in Nigeria, the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) has called for collective action to end the menace in the country.
To this end, WARIF, alongside other organizations, will participate in the annual international campaign, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which was launched globally on November 25, 2023. This year, the 2023 campaign theme is ‘UNITE! Invest To Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls’.
In this year’s campaign, WARIF has forged partnerships with organisations such as the United Nations in Nigeria and the US Consulate, among others, to unite more voices against ‘No Tolerance to Rape and Sexual Violence.’
The march is set to take place in cities including Lagos, Abuja, Abeokuta, Accra, Liverpool, London, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., and Frankfurt.
The founder of WARIF, Dr. Kemi DaSilva Ibru, while speaking on the motive behind the march, emphasised that the battle against GBV isn’t a solitary endeavour as it necessitates collective action.
“It is the combined effort that holds the key to combatting the epidemic of sexual violence. Addressing this issue isn’t solely incumbent upon one individual or entity; it requires a unified effort where everyone contributes uniquely to the solution. Engaging actively in these collaborative efforts is vital to amplify our voices and put an end to sexual violence in our society,” DaSilva Ibru averred.
The founder disclosed that WARIF will actively engage in various events, commencing with the Annual No Tolerance March, adding that, “The WARIF No Tolerance March aims to spotlight the widespread issue of rape, sexual, and gender-based violence in our communities, advocating for a society free from this distressing menace.
“Proceeds from the march will aid survivors of rape and sexual violence who seek support at the WARIF Rape Crises Centre. The centre offers essential services like immediate medical care, psychosocial counselling, legal aid, shelter access, and vocational skills training to survivors, all free of charge,” she added.
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