The Wellbeing Foundation Africa Marks the 2015 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

To commemorate the 2015 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on the 25th of November, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa has advocated for the prevention of violence against women and the empowerment of survivors - alongside CSO activists, public sector administrators, development workers, legal aid providers and women's rights advocates at the United States Embassy in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.

Having attended the screening of a gender violence film entitled "New Morning” courtesy of Heinrich Boell Stiftung Foundation and a Panel Session on "Breaking the Culture of Silence - Uniting to End Violence against Women" - hosted by the U.S. Embassy in collaboration with Friendraiser Community, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, led by H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki, calls for the end of legislative inertia in order to bring justice to domestic violence victims in Nigeria.

With one in three women around the world having faced issues of violence in her lifetime and an estimated 50% of Nigerian women affected by domestic abuse, much works needs to be done to ensure that the rights of women and adolescent girls are protected in Africa’s most populous nation. Yet, due to a lack of reporting and legislative structure to effectively prosecute domestic violence, the percentage of women affected in countries like Nigeria may actually be higher.

Utilizing social media, short videos and messaging, as well as grassroots initiatives, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa has been able to empower women, give survivors a voice and encourage community cooperation to tackle domestic violence. To address violence against women both on the international and regional level, the WBFA Founder-President currently serves as a board member of the Global Foundation for the Elimination of Domestic Violence (GFEDV), while the Wellbeing Foundation Africa is a member of the Nigerian Legislative Advocacy Coalition on Violence Against Women (LACVAW). As proponents of the now approved Violence Against Person’s Prohibition Bill, the Foundation seeks the immediate implementation of the legislation in all states, alongside support for domestic violence victims including safe havens.

Under the leadership of Toyin Saraki, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa has been globally recognized for its strong track record in advocacy for the elimination of violence against women and in girl empowerment; and is an institutional signatory to the Girl Declaration, which calls for girls to be placed at the heart of the post-2015 agenda. Collaborating with international partners, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa remains committed to providing victims of domestic violence and insecurity with dedicated and compassionate rehabilitation.