WARDC intensifies efforts to combat SGBV in Nigeria

Williams Dare

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has stepped up its efforts to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.

In a bid to curb this menace, WARDC organised a two-day workshop in Lagos, themed, “Knowledge and Experience Sharing on the Impact of Corruption on SGBV in Nigeria.”

The workshop, held in collaboration with Above Whispers Media Foundation and supported by the MacArthur Foundation, brought together civil society organisations, government agencies, and service providers.

Mary George-Peluola, Director of WARDC, highlighted how corruption undermines efforts to prevent violence, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.

She noted that the workshop aimed to raise awareness about SGBV and the impact of corruption, with a focus on access to justice, protection, and support for survivors.

“The attendees of this workshop are Nigerians whose rights have been infringed on basically because of their sex. We feel it is not right for anyone’s rights to be trampled upon. One of the purposes of this meeting is to raise awareness about this ongoing SGBV and the impact of corruption on curbing it,” George-Peluola said.

Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, CEO of Ceceyara Foundation and keynote speaker, noted that corruption weakens the implementation of SGBV laws and policies. She emphasized the need for activated laws, structures for implementation, and adequate funding.

“The law does not operate in a vacuum. Access to justice does not end with the sentencing of the perpetrators in court; the survivor has to be helped to heal and live a normal post-abusive life.

“Information and awareness are key. Apart from holding the perpetrators accountable, protection and safety, psychosocial support and medical services are also needed,” she said.

Ajayi-Kayode stressed the importance of collaboration in fighting SGBV, urging traditional, religious, and community leaders to ensure prevention and response.

Dr. Oluwatoyin Ilesanmi, Acting Director of the Center for Gender, Humanitarian, and Development Studies at Redeemers University, recommended that the government incorporate the workshop’s action points into policy and make them binding across all levels of government and institutions.

By working together, WARDC and its partners hope to create a safer and more just society for women and girls in Nigeria.