A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), in collaboration with the United States Consulate General Lagos, on Saturday, called for an end to rape, sexual violence and trafficking of women through a 3km walk along the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge to create awareness against the menace in Nigeria.

The 4th WARIF march tagged: ‘No Tolerance March’, was held simultaneously across eight cities: Lagos, Abuja, London, Frankfurt, New York, Houston, Dallas and Cape Town in commemoration of the United Nations (UN) 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Founder, of WARIF, Dr Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, stated that the campaign is an annual march with the support of the UN to put an end to sexual and gender violence in the world.

She further said survivors of rape and sexual violence are offered free forensic medical examinations and treatment; as well as counselling services and welfare assistance with shelter, legal aid and vocational skills acquisition at the WARIF Rape Crisis Centre.

“Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a human rights violation, with detrimental impacts on victims, survivors, families, communities, and societies – women living with disabilities and those with or at risk of HIV/AIDS are disproportionately more at risk to SGBV.

“SGBV encompasses sexual violence, physical violence, emotional and psychological violence, early marriage, femicide, trafficking, female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual harassment and rape.

“In Nigeria, 33 per cent of women and girls aged between 15-49 have experienced physical and or sexual abuse in their lifetime, while harmful practices such as child marriage are prevalent, with 43 per cent of girls married before the age of 18 while 20 per cent of women age 15-49 have undergone FGM.”

DaSilva-Ibru charged non-governmental organizations and government at all levels to address and end the prevalence of violence against women.

The First Lady, of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, commended the foundation for the laudable initiative and stated that there should be No Tolerance to violence against women and girls in all communities.

She further urged everyone to speak out when they see something and report it to the necessary authority and actions will be taken

First Female Senator in Edo State, Senator Daisy Danjuma, noted that WARIF has helped the society in tackling rape and violence against women

She charged the media to improve on the advocacy, creating awareness on rape, sexual violence and its consequences.

“We have a lot of rape, sexual violence and gender-based violence a lot. We are trying to create awareness by letting everybody know that it’s time to stop violence against women and we have to be very vocal and not keep quiet about this issue and today is to remind everybody that we are on course,” she added.

Also, Chairman, of Aw Networks, Adebola Williams, stated that beyond the walk, actions should be taken, urging the public not to victimize survivors and keep track on statistics.

He further noted that boys should be trained to know the capacities and how to respect, protect and support women believing in equality.

Williams urged Parents to take proper care of their children especially the girl child not trusting any family member with their child.

In Abuja, hundreds of residents marched the streets of the federal capital to sensitise the public on the dangers of rape. The march started from the Old Parade Ground at the centre of the city.

Speaking on this march, the First Lady of Kebbi State and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Medicaid, Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, said: “The Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum sprung into action at the height of the pandemic. We have since seen many states pass the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and I am proud to say that Kebbi State is one of those states. We now look to States to ensure full implementation of the VAPP.”

She was joined by Mr Matthias Schmale, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations, who thanked the crowd for making their voices heard and stepping out in solidarity.

In his remarks and whilst applauding the achievements in the passage of the VAPP, he called for sustained efforts to ensure survivors of violence have access to the services, rights and resources needed to live their lives with dignity.