The prevalence of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria is becoming epidemic affecting an average of 1 in 4 girls before the age of 18. The impact of which is seen in almost every community across the country.
In this bid, the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) has now taken on the laudable task of increasing awareness of Gender-Based Violence across the country with the launch of #WARIFVision2020; with the aim of impacting one million lives by the end of 2020.
The organisation is already achieving this through its various initiatives and plans to engage other non- governmental organization (NGOs) and CSOs across Nigeria. The organization also calls on well-meaning Nigerians to support this goal through volunteering and donations. Activities have commenced under this project and WARIF believes that through a collective effort we can all live in a society free from rape and sexual violence.
WARIF was launched over three years ago in response to the high incidence of rape and sexual violence in our communities. Since its inception, the organisation is successfully tackling these issues whilst providing health care to survivors and raising awareness through its preventive initiatives in education and community service. It has now become one of the foremost anti-sexual and Gender-Based violence organisations in Nigeria.
Commenting on this, the founder, Kemi Dasilva Ibru stated that “the magnitude of the issues surrounding GBV is one that the organization tracks closely and this initiative will serve as an ideal opportunity to raise awareness to many individuals still unaware of the menace of GBV that exists in their community.”
According to Dasilva Ibru, partnerships have impacted on many individuals such as that with Slum to School and Freedom Foundation are examples of collaborations that will assist WARIF in achieving this goal. The organisation will also partner with more like-minded organisations in Nigeria and beyond for the actualisation of this goal.
ANTHONIA OBOKOH
