Centre seeks increased funding to tackle SGBV in Nigeria

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) in collaboration with Care International, has called for increased funding to combat Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria. The group made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a media conference, themed, “Building Consensus on Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act: Strengthening and Ensuring Accountability […]

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) in collaboration with Care International, has called for increased funding to combat Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.

The group made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a media conference, themed, “Building Consensus on Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act: Strengthening and Ensuring Accountability on SGBV”.

Founding Director of WARDC and Convener of Womanifesto, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, noted that the VAPP Act, designed to tackle physical, sexual, economic, and psychological violence, has been hailed as a significant step in protecting women and girls, who are disproportionately affected.

She, however, said that stakeholders have expressed concerns about persistent gaps in its implementation, weak enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate funding.

Highlighting the need for a stronger political commitment to address these challenges, Akiyode-Afolabi called for the allocation of at least 0.5% of national tax revenue to enhance legal aid, provide shelters, and conduct public awareness campaigns.

“While the Act has made progress in addressing gender-based violence, its full potential is undermined by poor funding and limited infrastructure,” she said.

She stressed the importance of closing implementation gaps, ensuring stronger penalties for offenders, and improving support systems for survivors to fully realize the objectives of the VAPP Act.

She said, “We call for increased funding for implementation and we demand at least 0.5% from the total national tax, for improved awareness-raising campaigns, and stronger enforcement mechanisms- Ensuring consistent funding for prevention of SGBV, and adequate response to GBV issues; will address issues of capacity for legal, medical, and psychosocial support services for victims.

Also, acting Executive Director of WARDC, Ms Emmanuelle Azu, said adequate funding and sustained advocacy are crucial in achieving a violence-free society for all.

Azu said a violence-free society will translate to an improvement in the economic and social development of the nation.

She said that while the proposed amendments are necessary, they must be accompanied by a robust financial commitment to ensure effective implementation.

“There is a great need for an inclusive allocation criterion that prioritizes gender equity in all areas and sectors of the nation. We call for increased funding for full implementation and we demand at least 0.5 per cent from the total national tax for improved awareness-raising campaigns and stronger enforcement mechanisms,” Azu said.