WARIF turns orange for fight against gender-based violence

• Joins UN 16-day activism campaign

Women at Risk Foundation (WARIF), a non-profit organization, aimed at reducing the high incidence of sexual violence, rape and human trafficking in women and girls in Nigeria has turned orange this month to lend its voice to the 16-day United Nation’s campaign for the elimination of violence against women and girls around the world.

In a statement signed by its founder, Dr. Kemi DaSilva Ibru, the organization announced that it will, during the 16 days of activism campaign, “aggressively amplify the voices of women globally through public service announcements, e-fliers and banners, interviews, photos and survivor stories; using these means to challenge this social problem and place a spotlight on the stories of survivors and the issues the surround gender based violence.

“WARIF is saying ‘enough’ to the silence and stigma associated with speaking up against this issue, to women living in fear, violence and insecurity, and the general cycle of abuse that exists within communities in Nigeria and beyond.

“This global pandemic of violence against women is perpetrated through forms of physical violence, sexual abuse, trafficking, genital mutilation and so much more. Women all over the world suffer these various forms of abuse in silence and we can no longer continue to sit and remainquiet in the midst of this growing concern.

“Giving women a platform and a voice to speak out empowers survivors of gender based violence, it allows them to take their power back, speak their truth and allow the healing process to begin.

“The WARIF orange the world 2018 campaign is a reminder to all of us to stand together and support women in need, and encourage all members of the society to join in the constant fight against gender violence, in Nigeria.” Dr. DaSilva Ibru said.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign takes place annually from 25 November to 10 December 2018, and the theme for this year is: Orange the World: #HearMeToo.

WARIF also recommends different ways to participate in the campaign and urged Nigerians to:

• Learn about the laws the Parliament has passed in response to curbing gender violence in Nigeria (The Domestic Violence Act of 1998, The Maintenance Act of 1998, The Promotion of Equity and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act of 2000, The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act) Amendment Act of 2007),
and tell as many people as you can.

• Break the silence!!! Talk to anyone and everyone to take a stand against the abuse of women and children.Encourage silent female victims to talk about abuse and ensure that they get help.

• Report any form of violence against women to the Police, and then to the WARIF Centre, a rape crisis centre established to receive and treat cases of sexual and gender violence or call the 24/7 confidential help line on 08092100009.

• Join in the conversation using #WARIFOrangetheworld2018, and follow our social media platforms @WARIF_NG on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.