The Ford Foundation has called on First Ladies across West Africa to take a leading role in ending gender-based violence (GBV) in the region.
The fight against gender-based violence in West Africa campaign emphasizes the importance of influence, advocacy, and coordinated action to tackle one of the region’s most pressing social challenges.
Call for Strategic Use of Influence
The appeal was made by Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu, the Foundation’s Regional Director for West Africa, during the ECOWAS First Ladies’ Forum on Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence held in Banjul.
She urged First Ladies to leverage their “soft power” to:
- Shift harmful societal norms
- Strengthen accountability systems
- Promote policies that protect women and girls
According to her, their unique position allows them to influence both government action and public perception.
Alarming Statistics of Gender-Based Violence in West Africa
Aniagolu underscored the scale of the problem, noting that:
- One in three women globally experiences physical or sexual violence
- Child marriage remains widespread in parts of West Africa
- Gender-based violence can cost countries up to 3.7% of GDP
These figures highlight the urgent need for stronger intervention and coordinated regional action.
Gaps Between Policy and Implementation
Despite existing legal frameworks such as the Maputo Protocol and national GBV laws, the Ford Foundation noted that real-world impact remains limited.
Key challenges include:
- Limited access to justice for survivors
- Fragmented response systems
- Weak implementation of existing laws
Aniagolu stressed that while policies exist, outcomes have not been achieved at scale.
First Ladies as Catalysts for Change in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
The Foundation highlighted the historical and ongoing impact of First Ladies in driving social change across Africa.
Examples cited include:
- Maryam Babangida, whose Better Life for Rural Women Programme empowered women economically
- Advocacy initiatives by other African First Ladies that influenced national policies
These examples demonstrate how influence can translate into tangible development outcomes.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
The initiative is part of broader efforts under the SWEDD+ platform, supported by global partners including the World Bank and UNFPA.
The Ford Foundation is also investing in:
- Advocacy programmes across West African states
- Strengthening GBV response systems
- Promoting regional standards for prevention
These efforts aim to create a coordinated and sustainable approach to tackling GBV.
Broader Implications for Gender-Based Violence in West Africa
Experts say that empowering influential figures like First Ladies could:
- Accelerate policy implementation
- Increase public awareness
- Strengthen community engagement
- Drive long-term cultural change
Ending gender-based violence is seen as critical to achieving social stability and economic development in the region.
The Ford Foundation’s call to action underscores the urgency of addressing gender-based violence in West Africa.
By leveraging their influence, First Ladies can play a transformative role in driving change, closing policy gaps, and ensuring safer communities for women and girls across the region.
