Nearly one in three African women (33%) have experienced sexual violence in their lifetimes, leaving behind not just trauma but emotional, psychological, and physical scars. Many survivors battle feelings of worthlessness and suffer from anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some retreat into isolation, while others contemplate suicide. The stigma surrounding sexual abuse exacerbates these challenges, often leading to victim-blaming that silences and shames those affected.
Upon returning to Nigeria from the United States, Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, a specialist healthcare physician, was outraged by the alarming statistics regarding sexual assault against women and girls. Motivated to confront this pressing issue and shatter its silence, she founded the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) in 2016. DaSilva-Ibru and her dedicated team have committed their lives to fighting sexual abuse and providing survivors with a safe space to heal.
WARIF addresses not only the immediate aftermath of abuse but also the root causes of gender-based violence. The organization employs public education strategies, advocacy, and community outreach to raise awareness about sexual abuse among young girls. Through engaging workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions, WARIF educates participants on the signs of abuse, the importance of sexual consent, and the necessity of open conversations surrounding these sensitive topics. These community initiatives unite local leaders, parents, and youth, encouraging them to share their experiences and break the silence.
In addition to community education, WARIF offers counselling services provided by trained mental health professionals specializing in trauma-informed care. These experts provide medical, legal, and emotional support to thousands of women, helping them reclaim their lives after traumatic experiences. Empathetic individual and group therapy sessions facilitate healing without the burden of stigma, and all services are offered free of charge to survivors.
My parents wept for joy upon seeing me despite my lean and sickly appearance. I was referred to the WARIF Centre from the police station. There, I was medically examined and treated. I also received psycho-social counseling without paying a dime! The counselor was incredibly helpful, and I began a healing journey that I am immensely grateful for. I believe this is the start of a voyage to greater things, all thanks to the WARIF team!”- A survivor recounts.
WARIF also prioritises the training of healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, and educators, equipping them with the skills needed to respond to victims of sexual abuse supportively. By partnering with schools, organisations, and policymakers, the foundation advocates for stronger laws and policies protecting women and ensuring survivors’ justice.
DaSilva-Ibru impacts thousands of sexual assault victims
WARIF’s impressive impact includes the establishment of 5,056 Rape Crisis Centres, 12,238 community initiatives, and 16,430 educational initiatives. The foundation continues to raise awareness and shift the conversation around sexual violence. DaSilva-Ibru firmly believes that sexual abuse should no longer be a hidden issue but one that society confronts openly and courageously.
With over 20 years of experience in private practice across three continents, Kemi DaSilva-Ibru is a consultant specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology and a public health physician. A graduate of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, she completed her postgraduate training in OB-GYN at Howard University, Washington, D.C. She also obtained a Master’s from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, and has undertaken other postgraduate medical courses in various specialities. She is pursuing a PhD in gender-based violence at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
