Abuja: The Federal Government has announced the establishment of an Emergency Gender-Based Violence Response Fund, aimed at addressing the significant financing gaps in Nigeria’s efforts to prevent and support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). This initiative was revealed by Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, during a high-level engagement event in Abuja held to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was organized in collaboration with Women for Women International, an international non-governmental organization. Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the urgency of establishing the fund, as less than 0.5 percent of the national budget is currently allocated to GBV prevention and response, leaving critical services like safe spaces and survivor support centers severely underfunded. She expressed concern over the rising incidents of attacks on women and girls, including recent abductions in Kebbi and Niger States, and the kidnapping of six female directors, which she described as a national emergency.
The minister provided data from the National Demographic and Health Survey, indicating that 28 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, while 40 percent have suffered emotional abuse. Despite an increase in reported cases, the national conviction rate remains below five percent. The proposed response fund is set to be part of the Ministry’s 9-Pillar Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programme, which aims to bolster institutions, expand safe spaces, and enhance justice delivery through specialized gender desks and courts across all states.
Efforts are underway to increase the national GBV conviction rate from five percent to 25 percent by 2026, alongside plans to establish comprehensive support centers in every senatorial district. Sulaiman-Ibrahim praised recent landmark convictions and called for a compassionate review of Ochanya’s case to ensure justice is served. She urged collaboration among government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media to align with Nigeria’s National Action Plan.
Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative in Nigeria, pointed out that while Nigeria has ratified key conventions and enacted laws such as the VAPP Act and Child Rights Act, enforcement remains weak. She emphasized the need for stronger legal implementation, accountability for perpetrators, and expanded awareness programs to help both women and men recognize and prevent GBV. Eyong also highlighted the importance of response systems, referencing one-stop centers set up through the Spotlight Initiative, which offer integrated services including legal aid, healthcare, psychosocial support, and economic reintegration for survivors.
Thelma Ekiyor, CEO of Women for Women International, discussed the organization’s Stronger Women, Stronger Nations program, which provides leadership training, economic empowerment, and community engagement over 12 months. Drawing from experiences in 14 conflict-affected countries, Ekiyor emphasized key areas such as protection and safety, public awareness, strengthened legal enforcement, provision of shelters, and men’s engagement. She affirmed Women for Women International’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Women Affairs to implement these programs and scale interventions, positioning Nigeria as a model for regional GBV prevention and response.