By Halima Jubril
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has issued a statement denying allegations that it abandoned survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in its care. A recent video claimed that the Ministry served quit notices on victims taking shelter in its facilities in Abuja, prompting a protest by a group of concerned civil society organizations.
The Ministry clarified that it operates only one temporary shelter in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which provides immediate support to high-risk cases before reintegration into state or community-based systems. The Ministry emphasized its proactive approach to survivor support, citing a nationwide needs assessment conducted in 2024 to identify gaps in survivor services.
Some of the Ministry’s key interventions include:
- Direct Shelter Interventions: Providing psychosocial counseling, stipends, food supplies, and hygiene kits to survivors, as well as urgent medical care for those with critical health needs.
- Follow-Up and Extended Support: Conducting follow-up reviews for vulnerable survivors, securing temporary accommodation, increasing financial support, and designing tailored rehabilitation plans.
- Systemic Strengthening and Policy Reforms: Finalizing a National Action Plan on SGBV, partnering with experts to standardize shelter operations, expanding federal shelter capacity, and enhancing training programs for state-level staff.
The Ministry assured that every case brought to its attention is treated with urgency and care, and every claim is rigorously verified. The statement was signed by Dr. Maryam Keshinro, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.