Ford Foundation Calls on West African First Ladies to Accelerate Action Against Gender-Based Violence
Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu, the Regional Director for West Africa at the Ford Foundation, has issued a compelling appeal to First Ladies across the ECOWAS region. She urged them to harness their unique soft power to drive significant progress in combating gender-based violence (GBV). Aniagolu emphasized that their influence is critical for transforming societal norms and enhancing accountability mechanisms to protect women and girls.
Urgent Call at ECOWAS Forum in Banjul
Aniagolu delivered this message during a goodwill address at the ECOWAS First Ladies’ Forum on Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence. The event was held in Banjul, The Gambia, and organized under the SWEDD+ platform in collaboration with the World Bank and UNFPA. She highlighted the severe and widespread nature of GBV, noting that globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence. In West and Central Africa, the situation is further aggravated by harmful practices such as child marriage, where over 30 percent of girls are married before the age of 18 in many nations.
Economic and Social Impacts of Gender-Based Violence
Beyond the human toll, Aniagolu underscored the substantial economic repercussions of GBV. She stated that it costs countries up to 3.7 percent of their GDP, a figure that surpasses investments in vital sectors like education. Despite existing frameworks and commitments, such as the Maputo Protocol and national GBV laws, she pointed out that outcomes remain insufficient at scale. Survivors often encounter fragmented and inaccessible justice systems, creating significant barriers to obtaining support and redress.
Leveraging Influence for Change
Aniagolu clarified that while First Ladies are not policymakers, their influence is pivotal in advocating for change. She cited the historical example of Maryam Babangida, whose Better Life for Rural Women Programme launched in 1987. This initiative successfully integrated rural women into national development discussions and inspired numerous economic empowerment efforts across the region.
Ford Foundation's Ongoing Commitment
The Ford Foundation remains deeply committed to strengthening GBV prevention and response systems throughout West Africa. Aniagolu highlighted their continuous investments, particularly through partnerships with First Ladies and platforms for governors’ spouses in Nigeria. These collaborations aim to foster sustainable solutions and amplify efforts to eradicate gender-based violence, ensuring a safer and more equitable future for all women in the region.
