The Founding Director of WARDC, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi

Adetokunbo Fakeye

London, Nov. 27, 2017 (AltAfrika)-Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC)  in Nigeria  on Monday raises concern over rising cases of gender-based violence in the country, with more deaths recorded in recent times.

The Founding Director of WARDC, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi who raised this concern in a press statement issued ahead of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Tuesday said: “We call on the Federal Government to create more institutions that can address  the root causes of gender-based violence,  the impunity  that often goes with the scourge, implement policies and enact laws,  for a stronger national response that can support  victims and survivors  of violence.”

According to her, the 16 Days of Activism against GBV is also a time to remember victims and survivors of GBV and further re-evaluate the effectiveness of interventions currently in place to address the problem.

“This year alone WARDC was able to respond to  about 2,151 cases of gender-based violence, most of which were domestic violence

“Domestic violence takes many forms including physical, sexual, emotional, economic and mental. Traditionally, domestic violence is mostly committed against females. Common forms of violence against women in Nigeria are rape, acid attacks, molestation, wife beating, and corporal punishment.

“GBV is hindering national productivity as it is occurring amongst people in the productive age group who are having to deal with the negative physical and psychological consequences of the vice.’

“There should be continuous review of the existing policies and laws on GBV in order to accommodate best practices of GBV strategies in nipping the scourge in the bud. ‘ She however acknowledges  the recent stride by the Ogun State House of Assembly for the  passage into law of the Violence Against Person Prohibition Law in Ogun State and calls on the Governor of the State , Senator Ibikunle Amosu to take positive steps in ensuring that the bill becomes a Law in the State as soon as possible”, she said.

As WARDC  commences a two-week long public awareness program on “Leave No One Behind: Ending Violence against Women and Girls”, the awareness will have at different times, symbolic ‘football match which will symbolically kick out GBV in four locations’ Lagos, Bauchi, Borno and Ogun State.”