Abuja: The 2024 Womanity Index report has identified Lagos, Rivers, and Ekiti states as leading in responses to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful practices against women and girls. The report, published by Invictus Africa, a civic organisation focused on human rights and gender equality, highlights the progress of various states in addressing GBV issues.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ms Bukky Shonibare, Executive Director of Invictus Africa, shared that the findings were drawn from the responses of 18,500 participants across the nation, a significant increase from the 5,800 respondents in 2023. The survey aimed to evaluate how subnational governments are progressing in their efforts to prevent and respond to GBV, as well as in promoting gender equality.
Shonibare explained that the report was structured around five indexes: laws and policy; access to legal justice; support services for survivors; information and awareness; and budget and spending. States were assessed and coded in colors-blue f
or those making significant advancements, green for performing states, amber for evolving states, and red for those struggling.
“This year, Lagos remains a blue state, and Rivers and Ekiti have also achieved blue status. Katsina state has notably progressed from red to amber, primarily due to the passage of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the launch of a sexual assault referral centre,” Shonibare commented.
The Womanity Index also revealed that 63 per cent of Nigerians have either experienced GBV or know someone who has. Domestic violence, followed by physical violence, emerged as the most common forms of GBV. The data indicated that 70 per cent of GBV incidents occur at home, with family members often being the first point of contact for help.
Shonibare highlighted the importance of trust in law enforcement and the judiciary to encourage survivors to seek help from these institutions. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum, emphasized the significa
nce of the annual ranking in tracking progress and addressing areas needing improvement to combat GBV.
Dr Chichi Aniagolu of the Ford Foundation and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation also underscored the societal impact of GBV and the need for stronger law enforcement and judicial systems to ensure justice for survivors. They called for increased awareness and action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.