How gender-based violence hinders economic independence –Director, Dave Enechukwu Foundation

Gender-based Violence (GBV) has been identified as one of the factors militating against economic autonomy especially for women.

Revealing this at a one-day training for women on gender-based violence organised by Dave Enechukwu Foundation (DEF) and funded by Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NETF), the Executive Director, Mrs. Ifelunwa Meg Aipoh, Dave Enechukwu Foundation (DEF), said that gender-based violence (GBV) brings about physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to a woman, man, girl or boy based on their gender.

She blames GBV on gender inequality and abuse of power, which hinders one’s ability to achieve economic autonomy and to ensure sustainable livelihood for themselves and their dependents.

“Children who witness Adverse childhood abuse or Parental Violence are likely to be perpetuators and also more likely to experience GBV,” she said.

Mrs. Aipoh, said the Dave Enechukwu Foundation  was set up to provide special attention on the disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the society, emphasising: “We are concerned about the wellbeing and the living standard of the vulnerable groups through programmes geared towards enhancing their knowledge on issues of health and reproductive rights, address gender related issues, create awareness on GBV and linking abused persons to service providers, providing economic empowerment to widows, educational empowerment and nutritional support to orphans and vulnerable children toward national development.

“Our vision is to see a healthy society where people will live and maximise their potentials. And our mission is to develop and support community based health and social programmes and activities that will enhance quality healthcare delivery to community members, particularly the vulnerable groups.”

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Director, Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Domestic Violence Unit  (WAPA), Mrs. Motunrayo Kasali, commended the DEF’s efforts against domestic violence.

She said that the Lagos State Government was determined to wage war against gender-based violence.