DaSilva-Ibru’s WARIF Open Doors To Abused Women

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

The Women at Risk International Foundation, also known as “WARIF”, a non-profit organization founded by Dr. Kemi Dasilva-Ibru will be opening its WARIF Centre in Yaba, Lagos to the general public from 1 December.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Centre will be the first initiative of the foundation set to meet the urgent needs of young girls and women across Nigeria who are survivors of sexual assault, rape and human trafficking.

“It is our primary social responsibility to ensure that all young girls and women live in a society free of rape and sexual violence. The opening of WARIF Centre by Women at Risk International Foundation -WARIF is the first of many initiatives, that will be set up by the foundation and the first step on its journey towards achieving this goal,” said DaSilva-Ibru of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that the WARIF Centre has also established strong collaborative links with both the Lagos State Government and other local and international non-government organisations and related agencies that provide shelters/half way homes; legal aid and vocational skills centres.

This serves to create an efficient system of referral that is made available and can be utilised by those in need of these services.

“I am pleased to be collaborating on this global initiative. It is important that the International Community come together to not only address gender based-violence, but also create resources and tools to enable self–determination and freedom for all. The opening of  Women at Risk International Foundation-WARIF  does just that, it is a game changer for being able to educate and access resources for sexual assault survivors in a timely manner,” said Indira Henard of Washington DC Rape Crisis Center

WARIF was incorporated in 2016 by Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru MD; MPH in response to the high incidence of sexual assault, rape and human trafficking occurring amongst young girls and women across Nigeria.

The Foundation was established to raise awareness and advocate against this increasing prevalence of sexual violence amongst women and young girls of all ages and its consequences.

These effects are both immediate with health and psychosocial risks to the victims as well as in the long-term societal problems that subsequently occur such as poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

WARIF centre will serve as a safe haven for all young girls and women who have been affected by this harrowing problem, providing medical care, social support and  promoting  their well-being and empowerment. The center will support survivors of rape and sexual abuse or assault and promote healing and prevention and advocate for social change through various programs and initiatives.