The Federal Government has revealed ambitious plans to establish an emergency response fund specifically designed to combat gender-based violence and provide crucial support for survivors across Nigeria.
Minister Announces Groundbreaking Initiative
Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women's Affairs, made this significant announcement during the launch of a research report on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). The event took place in Abuja on November 29, 2025, organized by the development Research and Projects Centre in partnership with Advancing Learning and Innovation on Gender Norms, with funding support from the Overseas Development Institute.
Represented by her Special Adviser on Political Matters, Alhaji Nasiru Zakari, the minister explained that the Emergency GBV Response Fund will function as a ring-fenced financial mechanism. This strategic approach aims to address critical funding gaps that currently undermine safe spaces, emergency responses, and comprehensive survivor support systems throughout the country.
Addressing Critical Needs of Survivors
"With this innovative fund, we are determined to guarantee operational stability, enable rapid response capabilities, and ensure uninterrupted access to care when survivors need it most," Minister Suleiman-Ibrahim emphasized through her representative.
The minister described the experiences of GBV survivors as characterized by "pain, uncertainties and vulnerabilities," highlighting that Nigerian women and girls continue to face various forms of violence, including physical abuse and increasingly prevalent digital harassment. She reaffirmed the government's strong commitment to building a society where every woman and child can live with safety and dignity.
Timely Launch During Global Activism
Suleiman-Ibrahim noted the particular significance of launching the TFGBV research during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. She stressed that ending violence against women "is not only a women's concern; it is a national moral imperative" that requires collective action from all sectors of society.
Dr. Salma Anas-Ibrahim, Special Adviser to the President on Health, expressed confidence that the research findings will play a vital role in addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence, particularly within political environments. She emphasized that understanding how women navigate and respond to digital threats, along with examining the role of political party structures, would help transform discussions into meaningful, concrete actions.
Dr. Judith-Ann Walker, Executive Director of dRPC, highlighted the research's importance for ongoing reviews of gender policies being conducted by the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and various political parties. She strongly urged these institutions to adopt the findings as a foundational baseline for combating TFGBV throughout Nigeria.
Dr. Jan Michalko, ALiGN-ODI Gender Lead, explained that the study represents part of a multi-country effort to spotlight the online challenges confronting women in politics. These challenges often restrict their ability to contribute fully to national development and political processes.
