The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC, has expressed solidarity with advocates around the world as they commemorate the 16 Days of Activism.
The annual campaign against gender based violence which starts from November 25 to December 10, 2024 serves as a vital reminder of the urgent need to combat Gender-Based Violence, GBV, and to promote gender equality and women’s rights in Nigeria.
A statement signed by the Founding Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi says the organisation is joining others to count gains, raise a campaign to demand that state governments create funding to end sexual and gender-based violence.
According to the statement, “It is worthy of note that 34 states have now domesticated the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP Act in Nigeria which the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre stage.
“WARDC has been a rallying point of the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP Act across Nigeria and specifically in Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Ogun states.
“It added that there is an urgent need for state governments to put action behind words and create a fund to tackle SGBV.
The Fund is expected to cover the creation and management of shelters for victims, training of first responders, create and/or strengthen reporting mechanisms, and offer legal and psychosocial support to survivors.
She stated further “WARDC has led the charge. We have worked with stakeholders and state governments to develop Costed Action Plans in Adamawa, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Cross River, Osun, Ogun, Kwara and Borno states, and counting. We call on all stakeholders -government, civil society, and individuals- to take decisive action to end GBV. Join us to ask for a Fund to end SGBV in their state.
“We recognise that silence only perpetuates the cycle of violence and marginalisation. It is time to amplify the voices of survivors, challenge harmful societal norms, and promote systemic changes that protect and empower women and girls,” it added.
Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi revealed that throughout the 16 Days of Activism, WARDC will host a series of events, including social media campaigns, aimed at fostering dialogue and mobilising community action.
She further invite everyone to participate in these activities with #FundtoEndSGBV, share their stories, and work collectively toward a future free from violence.
