Femicide is rife in Nigeria. Two days ago, the tragic news broke of the alleged murder of Christianah Idowu, a 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta or FUNAAB by Ayomide Adeleye, a Philosophy student at Olabisi Onabanjo University or OOU in Ogun State.
According to an FIJ report, Adeleye and Christianah were acquainted and lived in the same community in Ogun State. On the fateful day, Christainah was returning home when it began to rain and sought shelter in Ayomide’s family house. As the rain intensified, Ayomide invited her into his room, where he attempted to rape her. When she resisted, he tragically killed her.
Christianah’s murder is just the latest in a disturbing trend of femicide that has plagued Nigeria. In 2022 alone, at least 401 women died from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the country. Globally, UN Women reports that 45,000 women were killed by femicide in 2021.
This article highlights five organizations in Nigeria that provide essential support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
1. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA): An agency of Nigeria’s commercial capital of Lagos, DSVA refers to itself as a collaborative network of professional service providers and officials who work together to address the diverse needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors. The agency does this by offering legal, medical, emergency assistance, counseling, and psychosocial support.
The Agency provides comprehensive services to victims of sexual and gender-based violence, including counseling, medical assistance, legal representation, and referrals.
DSVA runs a toll-free line to report abuse (08000-333-333) and has a directory for actors in the space.
2.Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC): Established in 2000, WARDC is a non profit that works on combating human rights abuse against women, gender-based violence, child abuse, gender equality and justice for women and girls in Nigeria. The organization provides pro bono legal services for women victims of gender-based violence and other women’s rights abuse.
WARDC since its inception has prosecuted over 450 cases in court, instituted four class actions, and received an average of six women every week, for legal and socio-counseling on matters of gender-based violence and other civil matters that affect women. It has also established 42 paralegal communities across Nigeria.
WARDC operates a 24-hour helpline to provide immediate assistance to individuals experiencing Domestic Violence, Rape, Child Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Child Labor, Female Genital Mutilation, or any other forms of violence against women and girls. Please call any of the following numbers to report incidents: +2348180056401,+2348055951858
3.International Federation of Women Lawyers Nigeria (FIDA): FIDA Nigeria is a non-profit, non-political, voluntary association of female lawyers dedicated to protecting, promoting, and preserving the rights of women and children in Nigeria. Their core values are transparency, accountability, teamwork, integrity, mutual respect, commitment, and service, and they remain non-partisan in their work.
FIDA has offices across all states in Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory.
4.Stand to end rape (STER): STER is a youth-led social enterprise dedicated to combating sexual violence, providing prevention mechanisms, and offering psychosocial support to survivors. They advocate for rape survivors who may be silenced by stigma, raising awareness within their community about the importance of ending rape and victim-blaming.
They firmly believe that no survivor should suffer in silence and that comprehensive support systems are essential for their healing and justice. Their mission is to create a society that stands against rape, supports survivors, and holds perpetrators accountable. Ultimately, they aim to eradicate rape and build a safe and inclusive Nigeria for all.
Since their inception, they have made significant strides in the fight against sexual violence. Their organization has provided support and counseling to numerous survivors, facilitated the prosecution of perpetrators, and advocated for policies that protect survivors’ rights
5. Girl’s Power Initiative(GPI) : GPI is a feminist, youth development organization founded in 1993 by Bene Madunagu and Grace Osakue with the goal of challenging patriarchal values and gender stereotypes, addressing harmful practices against girls and young women, combating community apathy and neglect toward girls and young females, and fostering a supportive environment, particularly at the community level.
GPI has offices in Benin City, Edo State and Calabar in Cross River State.
Femicide is a significant issue in Nigeria, exemplified by the recent murder of Christianah Idowu, a student at FUNAAB, by Ayomide Adeleye, a Philosophy student at OOU, who killed her following an attempted rape. This incident is part of a broader trend of violence against women in the country, with at least 401 women falling victim to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in 2022 alone.
In response to the crisis, five organizations in Nigeria offer crucial support to SGBV survivors. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) provides comprehensive services, including legal, medical, and counseling support, and operates a toll-free abuse report line. The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) offers pro bono legal services and operates a 24-hour helpline for immediate assistance. The International Federation of Women Lawyers Nigeria (FIDA) is dedicated to protecting women's and children's rights through legal advocacy.
Stand to End Rape (STER) is a youth-led organization focusing on combating sexual violence, providing psychosocial support, and advocating for survivor’s rights. Lastly, Girl’s Power Initiative (GPI) works to challenge patriarchal values and combat harmful practices against girls and young women, operating offices in Benin City and Calabar. These organizations play pivotal roles in supporting survivors and advocating for systemic change.
