The West Africa Director of the Ford Foundation, ChiChi Aniagolu, has called on First Ladies across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to harness their influence in tackling the growing menace of gender-based violence (GBV) in the region.
Speaking at the ECOWAS First Ladies’ Forum on Zero Tolerance for GBV held in Banjul, Aniagolu described the “soft power” of First Ladies as a critical tool for driving social change, reshaping harmful norms, and strengthening accountability systems.
The forum, convened under the SWEDD+ platform in partnership with the World Bank and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), brought renewed attention to the alarming scale of violence against women and girls in West and Central Africa.
Aniagolu highlighted that one in three women globally experiences physical or sexual violence, with the situation worsened in the region by harmful practices such as child marriage. In several countries, over 30 per cent of girls are married before the age of 18, she noted.
Beyond the human cost, she stressed the economic burden of GBV, which she said can drain up to 3.7 per cent of a country’s GDP—exceeding investments in critical sectors like education.
“We have the frameworks and commitments, but outcomes at scale remain limited,” she said, pointing to persistent gaps in implementation despite regional instruments like the Maputo Protocol and national GBV laws.
According to her, survivors continue to face major barriers in accessing justice due to fragmented and often inaccessible support systems, compounded by stigma, fear, and lack of trust in institutions.
While acknowledging that First Ladies do not hold formal policymaking roles, Aniagolu emphasised their proven ability to influence national priorities and mobilise action.
“Across Africa, First Ladies have shaped narratives and driven change. That influence—when used intentionally—can transform systems,” she said.
She cited notable examples, including the advocacy efforts of Jeannette Kagame in promoting adolescent girls’ health and protection.
The Ford Foundation, she added, has continued to invest in strengthening GBV prevention and response systems across West Africa, working closely with First Ladies and governors’ spouses’ platforms, particularly in Nigeria.
Key interventions include advocacy programmes, strengthening evidence-based response systems in states such as Edo, Ekiti, Abia, and Niger, and advancing regional coordination frameworks to combat GBV.
“These are not just grants—they are investments in influence, voice, and the convening power of leadership,” Aniagolu said.
She further stressed that laws alone are insufficient without public trust and accessibility, warning that even the best-designed systems will fail if communities do not believe in them.
Calling for urgent and collective action, Aniagolu urged First Ladies to lead efforts to break the culture of silence, empower survivors to speak safely, and push for stronger accountability mechanisms.
“No girl should grow up believing silence is her only option, and no woman should be denied justice because of where she lives,” she said.
She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting advocacy, strengthening institutions, and amplifying the voices of women across West Africa.
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