FG, EU vow to end gender-based violence, expand survivor services

11th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in Abuja. Photo credit: SARC

Kindly share this story:

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s justice and social sectors have reiterated their commitment to ending gender-based violence and expanding access to survivor services, with particular focus on emerging digital threats.

In a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, speaking at the 11th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in Abuja,  said Nigeria currently has 50 operational SARCs across 24 states, which have supported over 58,000 survivors.

She, however, stressed that more centres are needed to meet the rising demand.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also announced plans for an Emergency GBV Response Fund, aimed at providing sustainable financing for shelters and referral services.

“This fund will ensure that survivors have continuous access to essential support services,” she said.

Reaffirming international support, Ambassador Gautier Mignot of the European Union highlighted the increasing role of digital platforms as spaces for abuse.

“The EU stands resolute in its commitment to gender equality and zero tolerance for all forms of gender-based violence,” he said.

Regional Director of International IDEA, Dr Roba Sharamo, described the conference as “a critical space for reflection and action,” noting that the EU–RoLAC partnership continues to strengthen Nigeria’s justice institutions and support survivors nationwide.

The conference underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address both traditional and digital forms of GBV while expanding survivor-focused services across the country.

Similarly, in Lagos, PUNCH Online reported that the Lagos State Police Command on Monday inaugurated the Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Centre for Gender-Based Violence and Family Support, as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against GBV.

The centre, established in partnership with the Command’s Gender Unit and supported by government agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners, was formally inaugurated by the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in Ikeja.

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, 👉 click here to find out how it work (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this)

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.