Women
at Risk International Foundation, also known as “WARIF” is a non-profit
organization that was incorporated in 2016 by Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru MD;
MPH in response to the high incidence of sexual assault, rape and human
trafficking occurring amongst young girls and women across Nigeria.
The
Foundation was established to raise awareness and advocate against this
increasing prevalence of sexual violence amongst women and young girls
of all ages and its consequences. These effects are both immediate with
health and psychosocial risks to the victims as well as in the long-term
societal problems that subsequently occur such as poverty, illiteracy,
unemployment and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases.
"It
is our primary social responsibility to ensure that all young girls and
women live in a society free of rape and sexual violence. The opening
of WARIF Centre by Women at Risk International Foundation -WARIF is the
first of many initiatives, that will be set up by the foundation and the
first step on it's journey towards achieving this goal." – Dr. Kemi
DaSilva-Ibru, Founder, WARIF
The
first initiative of the foundation is to target the urgent needs for
these survivors by establishing a Sexual Assault Referral Centre: The WARIF Centre.
The
Centre has also established strong collaborative links with both the
Lagos State Government as well as other local & International
non-government organizations and related agencies that provide
shelters/half way homes; legal aid and vocational skills centres. This
serves to create an efficient system of referral that is made available
and can be utilized by those in need of these services.
“I
am pleased to be collaborating on this global initiative. It is
important that the International Community come together to not only
address gender based-violence, but also create resources and tools to
enable self –determination and freedom for all. The opening of Women at
Risk International Foundation-WARIF does just that, it is a game
changer for being able to educate and access resources for sexual
assault survivors in a timely manner.” – Indira Henard, Washington DC
Rape Crisis Center
WARIF
centre will serve as a safe haven for all young girls and women who
have been affected by this harrowing problem, providing medical care,
social support and
promoting their well-being and empowerment. The center will support
survivors of rape and sexual abuse or assault and promote healing and
prevention and advocate for social change through various programs and
initiatives.
WARIF Centre in Yaba, will be open to the general public from December 1st 2016.
Social Media Handles:
Twitter: @warif_ng
Instagram : @warifng
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warif
For more information regarding the Foundation please contact:
Ms. Juliet David West
07010219501
For Press Related Matters kindly contact:
Precious Idaewor
08182537351
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