HE Toyin Saraki Speaks On Improving Rights Of Displaced Women And Girls In Nigeria's Internally Displaced Persons Camps

HE Toyin Saraki Speaks On Improving Rights Of Displaced Women And Girls In Nigeria's Internally Displaced Persons Camps

Washington DC, USA - Yesterday, Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation spoke at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on the fundamental rights of displaced women and girls in Nigeria. The event was organised by CSIS Africa Program.

Gender-based violence has plagued Nigeria and there is a desperate need for Nigerian policymakers and the international community to invest in protecting the women and girls in the camps, and explore assistance for psycho-social counseling of displaced persons; largely situated in the Northeast. Thousands of girls and women have been victims of violence and kidnappings by Boko Haram and they need the protection and security.

At the event, Mrs Toyin Saraki expressed the urgent need for the Government of Nigeria and international organisations to work together and reduce gender-based violence in the camps. She explained that there needs to be a register of all missing persons nationally, while providing health integrated certifiable identities to displaced persons, to aid restoration of their constitutional human and citizenship rights, while Mrs Saraki commended the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, of the Federal Government in its ongoing efforts to ensure food security and safety for all in the camps.

“As a mother, it pains me to acknowledge that someone else's daughter is not as safe as mine. I believe in equality and equity for all lives, and I believe that no matter your personal circumstance or location, you should be able to live a safe and secure life. I hope that Nigeria can move forward and improve the status of our women and ensure their safety.” Mrs Toyin Saraki