WACOL Advocates Collaboration to End Violence Against Women

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

Non-governmental organisation (NGO), Women’s Aid Collective, WACOL has called for collaborative efforts between the Nigerian government, civil society organisations and individuals to end all forms of violence against women in the country.

Founder and Executive Director of WACOL, Joy Ezeilo, made this known yesterday, while addressing newsmen as part of activities marking the 2025 International Women’s Day.
In her address, Ezeilo said that this year’s theme, ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’, resonates deeply in Nigeria, where women continue to face significant challenges in their pursuit of equality and empowerment.

She regretted that several factors including traditional/cultural practices, poverty, ignorance, poor implementation of relevant laws/policies and corruption, have continued to exacerbate existing Impunity and inequality.
“Daily, we handle approximately 20 cases of violence against women and girls which come in the form of physical, psychological, socio-economic and sexual violence, including harmful practices and sexual and reproductive health rights,” she explained.

She however noted that despite the challenges faced over the years, women have achieved significant victories and reached important milestones in their quest to take charge of their lives and maximise their potential.
She maintained that there is the need for Increased representation of women in power and leadership, economic empowerment, increased access to education and legal reforms, especially the urgent domestication of the United Nations Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

“There is no better time than now to end all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Nigeria and ensure their empowerment as adumbrated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We must collaborate to create a society where women have equal access to opportunities, resources, and decision-making power,” she said.