As the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign reaches its midpoint, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) is mounting a passionate plea for comprehensive state-level funding to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across Nigeria.
The founding director of WARDC, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, told reporters that while significant progress has been made, much work remains to be done. “We’ve seen 34 states domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act,” she explained, “but now we need more than just legislation – we need concrete financial commitment.”
The organisation is calling on state governments to establish dedicated funds that would support critical interventions, including creating and managing shelters for victims, training first responders, strengthening reporting mechanisms, and providing legal and psychosocial support to survivors.
WARDC has already been instrumental in developing Costed Action Plans in eight states, including Adamawa, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Cross River, Osun, Ogun, Kwara, and Borno.
“Silence perpetuates the cycle of violence,” Akiyode-Afolabi reiterated. “It’s time to amplify survivors’ voices and challenge harmful societal norms.”
The campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 10 and concludes on Human Rights Day, will feature a series of events and social media initiatives aimed at mobilising community action and raising awareness about gender-based violence.
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