Women At Risk International
Foundation (WARIF) is a Non-Governmental Organization that was incorporated in
2016 by Dr Kemi Da-Silva Ibru MD; MPH in response to the high incidence of
sexual assault, rape and human trafficking occurring among young girls and
women across Nigeria.
The foundation was created
to raise awareness and advocate against this increasing prevalence of sexual
violence experienced by women and is doing the best it can to ensure that these
women have a safe place if and whenever such violence occurs.
On the 1st of February
2017, WARIF held an interactive session with The Commissioner of Police for
Lagos State, Mr Fatai Owoseni and his
area commanders from across Lagos, at the Police Officers Mess in Ikeja; where
Dr. Da-Silva gave a sound presentation
on the importance of a society where women are free from sexual assault,
violence and rape. She encouraged the Nigerian Police to send cases to sexual
assault and rape seen at the stations to referral centres such as the WARIF
Centre in Yaba, where adequate medical treatment and counselling can be given;
As a member of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team
(DSVRT) Dr. DaSilva also guaranteed the organization’s commitment to working alongside
law enforcement in the state, ensuring the wellbeing of the survivors.
In responding to some of
the concerns raised at the session, Dr. Da-Silva remarked that the WARIF Centre
has a team of qualified full time medical staff, specifically trained to carry
out medical examinations and obtain biological specimens to facilitate the
collection of evidence and help with police investigations. Furthermore, Dr. Da-Silva added that in the
event of survivors recanting for fear of stigmatization and discrimination,
counselors trained by the Washington DC Rape Crisis Centre (DCRCC) in
partnership with WARIF, are able to assist them with the healing process,
ensuring they become empowered and seek justice if this is their choice.
In addition, Dr. DaSilva discussed
other preventive measures being carried out by WARIF with the implementation of
a Youth Based Awareness Program in secondary schools and later on in higher
institutions. The curriculum is based on creating awareness and the importance
of gender equality, a change in behavior and practices and the prevention of
gender based violence in our schools and communities. She also emphasized the
“importance of a society that speaks out against these acts, supports and
protects the survivors and encourages the punishment of perpetrators”.
The session ended with a
short message from the Commissioner commending and encouraging WARIF’s
initiatives and stating that the Police is always willing and ready assist
survivors with the care they need. He assured that all survivors will be
encouraged to visit the WARIF Centre for adequate care.
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