NGO Launches Comprehensive Anti-Violence Initiative in Southwestern Nigerian Schools
The Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) has significantly broadened the reach of its educational school programme (WESP), bringing critical anti-violence training to four secondary schools across Ogun and Oyo States. This expansion aims to empower young girls and provide robust protection against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through structured educational interventions.
Strategic School Selection and Beneficiary Reach
In Ogun State, the programme has been implemented at Remo Secondary School (RSS) and Sagamu High School, while in Oyo State, Fiditi Grammar School and Ilora Baptist Grammar School are participating. The initiative has directly trained 500 adolescent girls, with an additional 5,000 indirect beneficiaries receiving knowledge through peer networks and community outreach. Furthermore, 500 parents and caregivers, along with 20 members of school management teams, have benefited from specialized training sessions designed to enhance their capacity to prevent and respond to abuse effectively.
Empowerment Through Life Skills and Leadership Development
Supported by the Girls Opportunity Alliance (GOA), the programme equips girls with essential life skills, leadership abilities, and practical knowledge necessary to identify, prevent, and address instances of abuse. It focuses on building peer-led protection and support systems within schools, encouraging safe reporting mechanisms and fostering a culture of collective responsibility among students and staff.
Mrs Tsehaitu Retta, Director of International Programmes at the Girls Opportunity Alliance, emphasized the transformative impact of such investments, stating, "Investing in girls means investing in safer, stronger communities. When girls feel safe, supported, and informed, everything changes for them, their families, and their communities."
Evidence-Based Model and Measurable Outcomes
WARIF highlights that WESP is a scalable, evidence-based model addressing critical gaps in life skills education, school safety protocols, and gender-sensitive mentorship. Over the years, the programme has demonstrated measurable improvements in students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to gender-based violence. It has also led to increased help-seeking behaviour and a reduction in abuse cases across intervention schools in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States.
The foundation is committed to sustaining these efforts through continued collaboration with partners, schools, and local communities, aiming to empower, protect, and enable adolescent girls to achieve their full potential in a safe and supportive environment.
