The imperative for enhanced protection of women and girls in Nasarawa State has prompted a coalition of women’s rights organizations to advocate for increased gender-responsive budgeting. Led by the Gender and Community Empowerment Initiative, in collaboration with organizations like the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), the African Women Development Fund (AWDF), and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the coalition emphasized the urgent need for the Nasarawa State government to prioritize the safety and well-being of women and girls by allocating adequate resources to address the pervasive issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The coalition believes that increased budgetary allocation is crucial for comprehensive support services, including legal aid, safe havens, and access to justice for survivors. They urged the state House of Assembly to seriously consider the needs of women and girls during the 2025 budget deliberations and subsequent budgetary cycles.
The coalition highlighted the devastating impact of SGBV, not only on individual survivors but also on the broader social and economic fabric of the state. SGBV hinders individual development, infringes upon fundamental human rights, and perpetuates cycles of vulnerability, particularly under already challenging circumstances. The group championed gender-responsive budgeting as a crucial tool for systematically addressing these issues. This approach involves integrating a gender perspective throughout the entire budgetary process, from planning and policy formulation to resource allocation, implementation, and impact assessment. By analyzing the specific needs of women and girls and allocating resources accordingly, the state can more effectively address the root causes of SGBV and provide comprehensive support for survivors.
Gender-responsive budgeting involves a detailed assessment of the human, financial, material, and technical resources required to implement policies aimed at preventing and addressing SGBV. This framework not only justifies resource mobilization but also attracts financial and technical assistance from various stakeholders, strengthening the collective effort to combat this pervasive issue. The coalition emphasized that Nigeria, having already demonstrated its commitment to tackling SGBV through the 2015 enactment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), needs to strengthen implementation mechanisms to fully realize the law’s potential. They pointed out that the existing legal framework, while comprehensive, suffers from limitations in implementation, coordination, enforcement capacity, and resource allocation.
Data from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Nigerian Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, revealed alarming statistics about the prevalence of SGBV in Nigeria. Between January 2020 and July 2022, over 7,300 cases were reported, with sexual and physical violence accounting for the majority. This underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate and effective interventions. The coalition argued that these challenges present an opportunity to leverage gender-responsive budgeting as a guiding principle for strategic resource allocation. By aligning resources with the goals of the VAPP Act, the state can strengthen its efforts to protect the rights and safety of women and girls.
The coalition’s call to action underscores the pivotal role of the Nasarawa State government and all stakeholders in combating SGBV. By prioritizing gender-responsive budgeting, the state can invest in preventive measures, enhance support services for survivors, and strengthen the justice system’s response to SGBV. This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders, to create a safe and empowering environment for women and girls. The coalition believes that increased budgetary allocation is not merely a financial matter, but a fundamental investment in human rights and the future of the state.
Ultimately, the coalition’s advocacy for increased gender-responsive budgeting represents a crucial step towards ending violence against women and girls in Nasarawa State. By integrating gender considerations into the budgetary process, the state can ensure that resources are allocated effectively to address the root causes of SGBV, provide comprehensive support for survivors, and strengthen the legal framework for protection. This approach is not only essential for upholding human rights, but also for fostering social and economic development by empowering women and girls to reach their full potential. The coalition’s call to action is a reminder that the fight against SGBV requires a sustained commitment from all stakeholders and that gender-responsive budgeting is a vital tool for achieving lasting change.
