The UN estimated that $42 billion would be needed to put an end to the bloodshed in 132 nations, including Nigeria. $32.5 billion of this amount must be invested again during the next seven years.
Stakeholders at a program in Abuja organized by Agents for Citizens-Driven Transformation (ACT), with funding from the European Union and implemented by the British Council, insisted that strong political will is required for federal and sub-national governments to allocate budgetary funding for GBV, particularly for countries like Nigeria with diminishing revenue from federal and state governments.
Speaking at the event held in collaboration with Women's Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), the stakeholders demanded solutions to guarantee that, in the face of declining government revenue and subpar budget execution, GBV would be funded by private organizations and international development financiers.
Despite claims by the Federal Government that there were 27,698 occurrences of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria between 2020 and 2023, participants in the event pointed out that funding for policies and procedures that are essential to stop and prevent GBV remained untouchable.
Plateau State Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo stated that the government must be committed to allocating funds in the budget to eradicate GVB as part of the 16 days of action.
She added that the government and the private sector must work together, noting that the government's declining funds may have an impact on the amount of money allocated to combating gender-based violence.
According to Damilare Babalola, National Programme Manager at ACT, cross-sector cooperation is essential for long-term solutions.
"The advocacy goes beyond just bringing money to the table; it also involves a commitment at the community level. We need to come together and support this." dedication to altering societal attitudes, events, and situations that disadvantage women and girls in the context of violence against them," he stated.
According to Wynyfred Achu-Egbuson, the European Union's Programme Manager for CSO, Youth, and Human Rights, political will and a government commitment are necessary even though the nation has access to development financing choices.
Hajiya Saudatu Mahdi, the Secretary General of WRAPA, stated that promises alone would not put an end to GBV.
"We must back up our statements with deeds. Therefore, the key is to make sure that people comprehend why they should be thoughtful when allocating their time, money, and other resources in order to prevent VAWG and support survivors by making sure that everyone bears responsibility, according to Mahdi.
"We have laws and policies to prevent VAWG and indeed all persons, and for it to be implemented, resources must be put into various Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) that are charged with different tasks," said Eze Onyekpere, Lead Director of the Center for Social Justice, who was also requesting innovative solutions that would bring private investors to the table.