On November 18, 2024, Professor Fatima Waziri-Azi delivered the keynote address at the 10th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres. The conference, organized by International IDEA in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, was funded by the European Union and brought together stakeholders from various sectors to address critical issues surrounding sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
In her keynote speech, titled “Access to Justice for Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Critical Issues in Nigeria,” Professor Waziri-Azi underscored the urgent need to enhance justice mechanisms for SGBV survivors. She explored the systemic barriers survivors face and presented actionable strategies to improve access to justice, concluding with a powerful call to action for strengthened multi-sectoral partnerships.
Professor Waziri-Azi outlined key strategies for improving access to justice for survivors, including:
- Institutional and legal reforms to ensure comprehensive and survivor-centered responses.
- Increased resource allocation to support justice and survivor services.
- Development of standardized protocols and the establishment of designated SGBV courts.
- Provision of enhanced compensation mechanisms for survivors.
- Expansion of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and shelters across the country.
- Strengthened interagency collaboration and community-based interventions.
- Use of data-driven approaches to design targeted interventions.
- Implementation of accessible reporting channels and referral services to support survivors in rural and urban areas.
The conference was attended by a diverse range of participants, including policymakers, Judges, Directors, Public Prosecution, legal practitioners, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and private sector representatives. Professor Waziri-Azi’s speech served as a rallying call for unified efforts to break down barriers and ensure that survivors of SGBV receive the justice and support they deserve
