Greene added that it was an honour to march with partners of the US, especially WARIF, who are working to eliminate gender-based violence.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The United States Mission to Nigeria has restated the US government’s commitment to supporting efforts to end gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria and across the world.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires David Greene spoke during the “No Tolerance” march in Lagos on Saturday, December 2 organised by Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) founded by Kemi Dasilva-Ibru.
According to Mr Greene, preventing and responding to all forms of GBV is a cornerstone of the US government’s commitment to promoting democracy, advancing human rights, and furthering gender equality.
He said the US government is taking decisive action to prevent and respond to gender-based violence through programming, policy, and diplomatic efforts.
“In December 2022, the United States released an action-oriented update to the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally. This strategy drives a comprehensive, unified, interagency response to gender-based violence abroad through U.S. foreign policy and assistance,” said Greene.
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“In Nigeria, we have partnered with non-governmental organizations and the Nigerian government to raise awareness of gender-based violence, human rights violations, and to ensure that all girls receive an education.
“The U.S. Mission to Nigeria has invested tens of millions of dollars in support of gender equality, economic empowerment of women, women’s health, and peace and security among other programming. Through U.S. Mission Nigeria, more than 50,000 girls and young women have been trained on how to escape dangerous GBV-related situations through USAID’s flagship ‘No Means No’ program. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), via PEPFAR, provides support to integrate HIV treatment services for GBV victims. Close to 20,000 GBV survivors have participated in treatment programs to include viral suppression and reduction of HIV acquisition.”
Greene added that it was an honour to march with partners of the US, especially WARIF, who are working to eliminate GBV.
He also thanked officials of the Lagos State Government and staff of the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos for supporting the march.
The US diplomat appreciated US government exchange programme alumni, particularly members of the Young African Leaders Initiative Network for also joining the march.