Womanifesto, a movement of over 300 women’s rights organisations has commenced a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening survivor-led advocacy, improving enforcement of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) laws, and amplifying the voices of women across Nigeria amid growing concerns over weak implementation of existing legal protections.

A statement signed by its convener, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, explained that the intervention seeks to address persistent gaps in the enforcement of laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Act, which continue to leave many survivors without access to justice despite existing legal frameworks.

According to the statement, the initiative, being implemented under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership (RWVL) Nigeria Project supported by ActionAid Nigeria, will begin in Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Enugu state.

Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, said the project is designed to place survivors and grassroots women at the centre of advocacy and decision-making while strengthening collaboration between communities and institutions responsible for protecting the rights of women and girls.

She observed that weak institutional response, harmful social norms, stigma and limited access to justice continue to undermine efforts to combat gender-based violence across the country.

According to her, the project will strengthen grassroots women’s organisations through issue-based advocacy, engagement with duty bearers, media participation and policy reforms aimed at improving accountability in the implementation of gender equality laws.

As part of the initiative, Womanifesto will map and document more than 1,000 grassroots women activists, survivors, students, labour groups, civil society organisations, as well as gender equality laws and policies, to establish a national database that will enhance coordination and collective advocacy.

The coalition also plans to establish a Feminist Action Alert and dedicated WhatsApp platforms to facilitate rapid information sharing, emergency response and coordinated action on issues affecting women and girls.

Community dialogues, mentorship programmes, peer-learning sessions and media engagements are also expected to equip women activists and survivors with leadership skills and strengthen community responses to gender-based violence.

Akiyode-Afolabi called on government institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, development partners and the media to strengthen enforcement of existing laws and promote survivor-centred justice.

She stressed that addressing gender-based violence requires stronger institutional accountability and coordinated action to ensure women and girls can access protection, justice and support without fear of stigma or discrimination.

The Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project will run from April to December 2026 and is expected to strengthen grassroots organising and improve advocacy for the protection of women’s rights across the country.