The Power of Collective Action against Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a prevalent issue that goes beyond boundaries, cultures, and communities. It manifests in many forms such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and harmful cultural practices, among others. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women globally experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often at the hands of an intimate partner. In Nigeria, the issue is no less critical, with reports showing that 30% of women aged 15-49 have experienced some form of violence.
Gender-based violence is more than just a violation of human rights; it weakens the economic and social progress of a country and damages the social fabric, leading to situations like poor health outcomes among the affected and stifling the potential of victims, especially women, and girls. Taking a look at the magnitude of the problem, addressing gender-based violence requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach. This is where the power of collective action comes into play.
What is Collective Action?
Collective action refers to the efforts of different individuals, organizations, and institutions to address a common problem. It recognizes that no single body can solve a complex issue like GBV on its own. When civil society organizations, governments, international bodies, the private sector, and community groups work together, they can create more meaningful and long-lasting change.
Collective Action Against Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria
In Nigeria, efforts to tackle GBV have seen significant strides through the collective efforts of advocacy groups, legal reforms, and community-led initiatives. One prominent example is the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, also known as the VAPP Act, passed in May 2015. The VAPP Act aims to address various forms of violence, including domestic violence, rape, and harmful traditional practices. It provides an important legal framework for holding perpetrators accountable and offers some protections for survivors.
However, implementing the VAPP Act has been inconsistent across Nigeria’s 36 states, with only 33 states domestically adopting the law as of 2024. This lack of full adoption has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that the slow uptake threatens efforts to protect the rights of women and girls extensively.
Advocacy groups and civil society organizations, including the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), a nonprofit aimed at tackling GBV in Nigeria and Africa, have also been at the forefront of pushing for a society free of rape and sexual violence among women and girls.
WARIF, for instance, has played a crucial role in raising awareness about sexual violence and providing survivor-centered care across Nigeria. Its multi-faceted approach, which includes advocacy, education, and direct support services, is a model of collective action. WARIF’s partnership with government agencies, international organizations, and grassroots communities demonstrates the critical role of collaboration in addressing GBV.
The Role of Civil Society
Civil society organizations like WARIF are essential in the fight against gender-based violence. They work directly with survivors, provide training and education to communities, and engage in advocacy to push for legal and policy reforms. They also offer crucial services, such as safe spaces for survivors, counseling, and healthcare, which are vital for both immediate and long-term recovery. The collective action of these organizations amplifies their impact, creating broader awareness and fostering greater societal change.
In addition, Leading Ladies Africa (LLA) as a nonprofit entity, uses its platform and voice to highlight issues related to gender inequality, including GBV. LLA works with women across Africa to foster leadership and entrepreneurship, recognizing that empowering women economically can reduce their vulnerability to violence. Our holistic approach to focusing on economic empowerment, leadership, and advocacy demonstrates the interconnectedness of gender-based violence with other societal issues.
The Controversy Around the VAPP Act
Despite its significance, the VAPP Act has not been without controversy. Many states in northern Nigeria, where traditional customs and religious practices are deeply rooted in the legal system, have been slow to adopt the Act. Critics argue that the Act challenges cultural norms around gender and family dynamics, making what should be a swift implementation difficult in more conservative regions.
The delay in adoption has led to heated debates. Proponents of the Act argue that the law is a necessary step to protect the rights of women and children, while opponents fear it could undermine traditional values. Recently, Senator Jibrin Isah, representing Kogi East, is pushing to repeal the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, claiming that the definition of consent needs further differentiation. The repeal bill has now passed its second reading.
We stand against the repeal of the VAPP Act, as the devastating consequences of this action will endanger the lives of more women and girls across Nigeria.
Moving Forward
The answer lies in continued advocacy and collaboration among key stakeholders. Organizations like WARIF and LLA, along with other civil society groups, must continue to push against the repeal bill of the VAPP Act, as well as push for its full adoption among all 36 states in Nigeria. At the same time, community leaders, religious institutions, and local government authorities need to be engaged in conversations to ensure that the Act stays in the legal system. Collective action is not just about pushing for legal reforms; it is also about shifting societal attitudes and beliefs. Educational programs, public awareness campaigns, and community outreach initiatives are essential to changing the narrative around GBV and creating environments where violence is no longer tolerated. The fight against gender-based violence cannot be won by any single organization or government alone. It requires the power of collective action. By working together, we can build a future free of gender-based violence in Nigeria and beyond.
