We talk to Ijeoma Egwuatu about working at the Frontline of Violence Against Women in Nigeria

Generation Initiative for Women and Youth Network (GIWYN) is widely recognized for its advocacy on reproductive rights. But as the crisis of gender-based violence escalates across Nigeria, their work has had to expand. We sat down with Ijeoma, who lead the Violence Against Women Department at GIWYN, to understand what is really happening on the ground.

Q: Many people know GIWYN for its work on safe abortion advocacy. How does Violence Against Women (VAW) fit into your mission?

Ijeoma: It’s impossible to separate the two. GIWYN was born out of a passion to support women surviving all forms of violence and inequality. While we are known for medical abortion access, we realized quickly that you cannot address reproductive justice without addressing violence.

Take rape, for example. Rape is a violent crime, but if that violence results in an unintended pregnancy, the woman faces a double burden. She is a victim of violence, yet when she seeks an abortion, society often steps back and leaves her alone. At GIWYN, we connect these dots. We don’t just treat the "medical" issue; we support the whole woman—her safety, her rights, and her recovery.

Q: The statistics are alarming. We know that one in three women in Nigeria experiences physical or sexual violence, and recent reports show a terrifying 240% rise in femicide cases in early 2025 alone. Are you seeing this surge in your daily work?

Ijeoma: Absolutely. The numbers we see are overwhelming. Since 2016, our hotline has received over 14,000 calls related to violence. during the COVID-19 pandemic alone, we recorded 2,290 cases. Even now, in just the last year, we have physically supported about 720 women through direct office visits and community outreach. These aren't just numbers to us; they are women looking for a lifeline.

Q: Why do these women come to GIWYN instead of going to the police or government agencies?

Ijeoma: It comes down to trust,empowerment and cost. In many of our communities, the formal justice system feels like a  closed door.  Women often lack knowledge, resources and confidence to navigate visiting a police station. It can mean facing fees they cannot afford, alongside the fear  of being blamed, dismissed or ignored.

Government agencies and social welfare departments can feel bureaucratic and intimidating. GIWYN offers a "woman-to-woman" alternative. We provide a space where they are believed immediately, without judgment and without a bill attached. We give them the courage to speak out because they know we are on their side.

Q: Is there a specific case that has stuck with you recently?

Ijeoma: Yes, one story highlights exactly why we do this work. A woman rushed into our office recently—she didn't just walk in, she ran. She was pregnant and carrying a six-month-old baby on her back.

She told us she was fleeing her husband. Despite being the one who went out every day to earn money for the family, her husband expected her to return home and perform every domestic chore perfectly. If she was too tired or "failed" in his eyes, he would beat her. That day, he had chased her from their home. She saw our sign and ran in because she felt it was the only place she might be safe.

Q: What is the message you want to send to the global community?

Ijeoma: We need to look at the grassroots. You cannot have "Generation Equality" if you leave these women behind. Over 60% of Nigerian women still lack the autonomy to make decisions about their own bodies. We need funding and support that actually reaches the ground level, empowering women to know their rights and access the help they need—whether that’s legal aid, shelter, or healthcare.

Support GIWYN’s mission to provide safe havens for women across Nigeria. Contact us to learn more.