By Palma Ileye
In continued effort to enhance Sexual and Gender Based Violence, SGBV, healthcare services in Nigeria, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Women at Risk International Foundation, WARIF, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to achieve this aim.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Women Affairs Headquarters in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that the partnership was more than just the signing of a document but a significant milestone in the shared journey towards strengthening Nigeria’s response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that it marked the collective commitment to ensuring that survivors of sexual violence were no longer left to suffer in silence but given access to survivor-centered, high-quality healthcare and support services across Nigeria.
She said, “It is with great pride and profound hope that I stand before you today at this important moment, the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Women at Risk International Foundation, WARIF.
“Today marks more than just the signing of a document but a significant milestone in our shared journey towards strengthening Nigeria’s response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV.
“This partnership leverages WARIF’s remarkable expertise through its Health Pillar, particularly its groundbreaking work establishing and operating sexual assault referral centres, SARCs.
“Together, we aim to build a future where every survivor has immediate access to professional, compassionate, and comprehensive care.
She said that through this strategic collaboration, the Ministry was setting out to achieve four core goals which were, “Capacity Building: By enhancing the skills and capabilities of healthcare providers, case managers, and frontline responders, we will ensure that survivors are met with professionalism, sensitivity, and support at every point of service delivery.
“Policy Reform: Together, we will drive reforms that strengthen national frameworks, align with global best practices, and ensure that laws, policies, and protocols genuinely protect and empower survivors.
“Survivor-Centered Service Delivery: At the heart of this partnership is the survivor their dignity, their health, and their healing. We are committed to services that respect the rights and choices of survivors and ensure their voices are heard in the healing process.
“Nationwide Awareness: Finally, through coordinated advocacy and public education campaigns, we will raise awareness on the realities of SGBV, dismantle stigma, and encourage more survivors to seek help without fear.”
The Minister stated that SGBV remains a pervasive challenge in Nigeria, cutting across age, gender, and region adding that the consequences were devastating not only to the survivors themselves but to the collective humanity, public healthcare systems, and national development goals.
She said she only through strong partnerships, “Such as the one we formalize today, can we create the systemic change that is so urgently needed. WARIF’s proven track record gives us confidence that we can scale up and strengthen the network of SARCs nationwide, bringing critical services closer to those who need them most.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to WARIF, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, for their unwavering dedication to this cause. Your passion and persistence inspire us all. I also commend the Ministry and WARIF teams who have worked tirelessly to bring this MOU to fruition.
“To all our partners and stakeholders, and indeed to every Nigerian citizen, I say: today is a call to action. It is a call to stand together, to build together, and to ensure that Nigeria becomes a nation where survivors of SGBV are not only heard and healed but empowered to thrive.”
She assured that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs remains steadfast in promoting the rights, welfare, and dignity of every woman, child, and vulnerable group in Nigeria.
