Sexual Violence: AHF advocates for stronger policies and implementation

In a move to ensure that issues of gender based violence especially against young girls is brought to forefront, AIDS HealthCare Foundation(AHF) Nigeria held a “silent protest” march in Abuja. The silent protest campaign which started from Millennium Park had in attendance NGO’s and CSO’s with similar objectives. The foundation Prevention Programme Manager, Elizabeth Duile  […]

In a move to ensure that issues of gender based violence especially against young girls is brought to forefront, AIDS HealthCare Foundation(AHF) Nigeria held a “silent protest” march in Abuja.

The silent protest campaign which started from Millennium Park had in attendance NGO’s and CSO’s with similar objectives.

The foundation Prevention Programme Manager, Elizabeth Duile  told Daily Trust that the protest had aid in raising awareness on such issues.

She said "We intend for this to be annually at least so that we can continue to bring this kind of issues to the fore because such issues die off if nothing is done about it."

She had earlier stated that  “We want to use this as an opportunity to let Nigerians and the relevant stakeholders know that there is a need to implement the laws that have been made in this regards as some of such laws even though in existence are not being felt.”

AHF, Country Program Manager Dr. Adetayo Towolawi said that the silent protest is against all forms of sexual violence, "because there is an important link between this and HIV transmission as well as sexual and reproductive health."

He explained that  there is a  need for a stronger institution and stronger implementation of policies.

He said "We want a stronger institution and stronger implementation of polices to end the issue of sexual violence.

We are aware that there are policies and laws that criminalize sexual violence in Nigeria but where the issue lies  is that there is so much silence and the victims get blamed and shamed", Adetayo lamented.