Victor EzejaThe Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) a non-profit organisation fighting against gender-based violence in Nigeria, held its third annual advocacy March to raise awareness against gender-based violence in Nigeria, to commemorate the UN 16 Days of Activism for Gender-Based Violence.
The march was held on Saturday, the 3rd of December in seven cities – Lagos, Abuja, London, New York, Dallas, Frankfurt, and Cape Town. Participants and supporters came out in great numbers, meeting at the various designated locations in these participating cities to march in unison against sexual violence.
In Lagos, the march was across the Lekki/Ikoyi link bridge and kicked off with a welcome address from the United States Consular General to Lagos, Mr. Will Stevens, recognizing the need for more initiatives such as the ‘No Tolerance March’ and, stating that one in three women would have experienced one form of sexual violence before the age of 18.
He commended WARIF for the tremendous initiative and encouraged everyone present to continue the fight against gender-based violence.
Speaking on the importance of the march, the Founder of the WARIF, Dr. Kemi DaSilva stated that “The Importance of the yearly march cannot be over-emphasized as survivors are ostracized and scared to speak out because of the culture of shame, patriarchy, and other harmful cultural practices.”
She also stated that the No Tolerance March was birthed out of the need to give survivors the right to have their voices heard, to be given safe platforms to speak and get help”.
Also in attendance were the First Lady of Ogun State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, The Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr. Ben Llewelyn-Jones as well as friends and families of WARIF.
The march was sponsored by the WARIF in-house counsel and partner, Templars Law firm, US Consulate, Amnesty International, Global Citizen, Reddington Hospital, Nigerian Breweries, May & Baker, Beat Fm and WAZOBIA. Others are Angel Hospitality, Quest, XII Glover, Mom & I, Bellanaija, Coolfm, Sante Femmes, SAPETRO, The Guardian, Prime Business, ThisDay Style, Ynaija, Ford Foundation, and Naija Info.
Gender-based Violence is the most pervasive form of human rights violation affecting men and women and all nations across the world. The “No Tolerance” March is a recognized annual event held globally as a movement to say NO! Tolerance for violence against women and girls in all communities.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
Follow Us