With support from the Ford Foundation, the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) recently hosted a Research Validation Meeting to examine critical protection gaps affecting women and girls in Nigeria. The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, policymakers, civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, and survivors, to review findings from a multi-state study conducted across ten states.

The research presented a sobering overview of the persistent challenges faced by women and girls in accessing justice, safety, and support. Discussions were driven by a shared commitment to translate data into action.

Key Takeaways:

• Weak law enforcement continues to undermine the impact of existing legal protections.

• Cultural and religious perspectives strongly shape how violence against women and girls (VAWG) is addressed, often contributing to underreporting and victim-blaming.

• Community-driven solutions are pivotal to breaking cycles of violence and fostering safe environments.

• Greater investment and collaboration are urgently needed to close the gaps in prevention, response, and survivor support.

Participants concluded the meeting with a unified pledge to implement evidence-based solutions and advocate for stronger, more inclusive policies to protect women and girls across Nigeria.

Next Steps

WRAPA is committed to:

• Advocating for policy reforms that reflect the realities uncovered in the study.

• Supporting improved intervention mechanisms at all levels of society.

• Establishing systems for continuous monitoring and accountability to ensure long-term impact.

The movement to end violence against women and girls requires collective action.

How can communities better protect women and girls? Join the conversation, share your ideas and be part of the change.