The ASK WARIF column is a quarterly interactive platform designed to educate, inform, and empower our readers as we address critical issues surrounding Gender-Based Violence. Through this space, we share insights drawn from our work at the WARIF Rape Crisis Centre, while responding to questions submitted by the public. Each response is provided by a team of experienced professionals, including doctors, counsellors, legal experts, law enforcement officers, and survivors who have chosen to share their stories. Their voices are powerful tools for awareness, healing, and prevention, with the hope of protecting the next woman or girl from experiencing sexual violence.
Every year, Women’s History Month offers an important opportunity to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality while acknowledging the challenges that remain. These moments are more than symbolic—they are urgent calls to action. The theme “Rights. Justice. Action.” reminds us that awareness alone is not enough; real change requires deliberate effort, accountability, and sustained commitment. Despite decades of advocacy and global initiatives, a pressing question remains: are we truly advancing equality for all women and girls, or are we still falling short of meaningful impact?
At the heart of this conversation are rights. Women’s rights are human rights, encompassing access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and freedom from violence and discrimination. Global institutions such as the United Nations have played a significant role in promoting these rights through policies and frameworks. However, for many women and girls, these rights exist more in theory than in reality. Cultural barriers, economic challenges, and weak enforcement of laws continue to limit their full expression in everyday life.
Justice is equally critical. It goes beyond legal systems to include fairness, accountability, and the dismantling of structures that sustain inequality. Many survivors of violence face significant barriers when seeking justice. Fear, stigma, and lack of institutional support often silence victims, allowing cycles of abuse to persist. Without effective systems that protect and support survivors, justice remains inaccessible for many, and the promise of equality is undermined.
Action is the bridge between commitment and real progress. Awareness must lead to tangible outcomes through the implementation of policies, strengthening of institutions, and active community engagement. Education and economic empowerment are essential in equipping women and girls with the tools to make informed decisions and assert their rights. At the same time, societal and cultural norms must evolve to support equality rather than reinforce harmful limitations.
Achieving lasting change requires collective responsibility. Gender equality is not solely a women’s issue; it demands the involvement of men and boys as allies in promoting respect and challenging harmful stereotypes. Women’s History Month celebrates the resilience and achievements of women who have driven progress, but it also reminds us that there is still more work to be done.
Ultimately, “Rights. Justice. Action.” is both a reflection of how far we have come and a call to do more. While progress has been made, significant gaps remain between policy and lived reality. Advancing equality for all women and girls requires sustained commitment, accountability, and a willingness to transform systems and attitudes. Only then can we build a society where every woman and girl can live with dignity, safety, and equal opportunity.
If you have been raped or know someone who has, please visit us at The WARIF Centre – 6, Turton Street, off Thorburn Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, or call our 24-hour confidential helpline on 08092100009.
March 2026 – written by Isoken Enehikhuere