Women at Risk International Foundation Officially Opens its Sexual Assault Referral Centre -The WARIF Centre

Women at Risk International Foundation, also known as “WARIF” is a non-profit organization that was incorporated in 2016 by Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru MD; MPH in response to the high incidence of sexual assault, rape and human trafficking occurring amongst young girls and women across Nigeria.

The Foundation was established to raise awareness and advocate against this increasing prevalence of sexual violence amongst women and young girls of all ages and its consequences. These effects are both immediate with health and psychosocial risks to the victims as well as in the long-term societal problems that subsequently occur such as poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

“It is our primary social responsibility to ensure that all young girls and women live in a society free of rape and sexual violence. The opening of WARIF Centre by Women at Risk International Foundation -WARIF is the first of many initiatives, that will be set up by the foundation and the first step on it’s journey towards achieving this goal.” – Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Founder, WARIF

The first initiative of the foundation is to target the urgent needs for these survivors by establishing a Sexual Assault Referral Centre: The WARIF Centre.

The Centre has also established strong collaborative links with both the Lagos State Government as well as other local & International non-government organizations and related agencies that provide shelters/half way homes; legal aid and vocational skills centres. This serves to create an efficient system of referral that is made available and can be utilized by those in need of these services.

“I am pleased to be collaborating on this global initiative. It is important that the International Community come together to not only address gender based-violence, but also create resources and tools to enable self –determination and freedom for all. The opening of  Women at Risk International Foundation-WARIF  does just that, it is a game changer for being able to educate and access resources for sexual assault survivors in a timely manner.” – Indira Henard, Washington DC Rape Crisis Center

WARIF centre will serve as a safe haven for all young girls and women who have been affected by this harrowing problem, providing medical care, social support and  promoting  their well-being and empowerment. The center will support survivors of rape and sexual abuse or assault and promote healing and prevention and advocate for social change through various programs and initiatives.