EU Invests N1bn, Establishes 41 Sexual Assault Referral Centres in Nigeria

• The EU has committed N1 billion, in collaboration with UNDP, to combat domestic violence and gender-based violence in Nigeria
• 41 sexual assault referral centers will be established across 20 Nigerian states, providing support and legal aid to victims

The European Union (EU) has committed N1 billion to combat domestic violence in Nigeria. Through this significant investment, the EU aims to address gender-based violence in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Ruben Alba Aguilera, Head of the Governance, Gender, Human Rights, and Migration Section at the EU Delegation, revealed this during the premiere of the UNDP-sponsored movie Deafening Silence in Lagos. Aguilera, who represented the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Samuela Isopi, emphasized the initiative’s importance.

‘Deafening Silence,’ produced under the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, uses storytelling to highlight Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.

Aguilera stated, “This initiative, part of the EU Spotlight Initiative, mobilizes over N1 billion to raise awareness and break the silence on violence in our society. We all have a role in stopping it.”

He also announced the establishment of 41 sexual assault referral centres across 20 states in Nigeria. These centres provide victims with support, legal aid, and avenues for legal action against perpetrators.

“We must fight against violence used against our mothers, sisters, and daughters. It’s unacceptable,” Aguilera stressed. He highlighted the EU’s efforts to ensure victims access essential psychosocial support and healthcare services.

Aguilera called on the federal government to intensify its efforts against gender and sexual violence, urging investment and active participation. “The government must invest and play its role. We support you, but the government must also mobilise its resources. We’ve partnered with judges and prosecutors to make this happen,” he added.

EU Ambassador Isopi reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to tackling sexual and gender-based violence. She praised the power of storytelling in ‘Deafening Silence’ for amplifying the voices of survivors and advocates, driving momentum for change.

“The power of art lies in its ability to evoke empathy and provoke introspection. It provides a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and validated,” Isopi said.

The movie, produced by Emem Isong Misodi, features actors Toni Tones, Kate Henshaw, Femi Jacobs, Daniel Etim Effiong, Chidi Mokeme, Bimbo Akintola, Debby Felix, and Ekamma Etim-Inyang.