- By Emmanuel Chidi-Maha, Elizabeth Ganiyu and Kehinde Abayomi
In the ongoing battle against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), the intersection of economic independence for women and financial support for organisations dedicated to women’s health and empowerment, has emerged as a potent force for change.
The organisations are instrumental in the fight against SGBV. Among them is Ireti Resource Centre, an initiative of the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), founded by Executive Director Bose Ironsi.
The centre managed by Bose Ironsi was born out of the need for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to find a safe space for shelter and empowerment. The organisation, which has provided access points for citizens to report SGBV, has recorded 823 cases inclusive of adults, children and People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) since establishment.
Poverty, which limits victims who have suffered from violence from seeking justice has permeated through almost every facet of our Nigerian society. Majority of them sometimes lack transportation costs and resources to follow up on cases till justice is served. Economic empowerment for women also spreads across dismantling the foundations of gender inequality and emotional support. It allows women to break free from abusive relationships, access vital resources, and challenge traditional gender norms.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, who gave the keynote address on “Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope”, emphasised these.
Her words: “Economic independence gave me the strength to escape violence and build a safer future for myself. Financially empowered women have greater access to resources such as legal assistance, counseling, and safe housing.
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“They can seek help more readily, reducing the time spent in dangerous situations and increasing their chances of escaping SGBV. By participating in the workforce and becoming financially self-sufficient, women challenge traditional gender roles and norms. This shift in societal expectations contributes to a broader cultural change that promotes gender equality and reduces SGBV acceptance ,” Atsenuwa said.
These safe havens are dedicated to developing community education programmes in order to sensitise people on the dangers of SGBV in society and ways to reduce vulnerability to them. In doing this, funding is required in order to ensure complete effectiveness and efficiency in conveying the message.
Survivors of SGBV often suffer in silence in order to avoid reinforcing stereotypes, stigma and fear. Prof. Atsenuwa, who is a Professor of Public Law, further expressed concern over this stating that “We can’t ignore the invisible scars; our silence perpetuates the cycle of violence. It’s time to speak up and seek help. Beyond physical scars, the emotional trauma runs deep. We need support, not just from family and friends but from society as a whole”.
She also revealed how interventions for these survivors are not sustainable and as such, they lose trust in the bodies established to come to their rescue. This limited sustainability springs from inadequate funding as well as support.
At the event, a poignant poem entitled, “Then Came Ireti” performed by journartist Evelyn D’Poet ignited something in the minds of the listeners. It spoke to the challenges that were being addressed, resonating deeply with the shared determination to make a positive change. Lines like “Will our day of joy be fair and bright?”, “Like eaglets calling to Mother Eagle,” “…Comes the call” and “…join hands…become a catalyst for change,” spoke volumes to the audience while motivating them to be the change.
One of the collaborators with Ireti Resource Center in this solicitation for financial support, Rtd Justice Serifat Solebo acknowledged the good work that the center has been doing since its creation. “I want to thank you and the members of staff for the good job you’re doing by impacting lives because you have been working tirelessly and selflessly. Please let us continue to support and be impactful in the communities we come from,” she said. Other collaborative bodies are the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) represented by State Project Coordinator, Ijimakinwa Ajibola; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Adeniyi, ACTIONAID.