The European Union(EU) has invested $250 million to eradicate gender-based violence against women and girls in African countries. This venture is a collaboration between the EU and the United Nations (UN) called the “Spotlight Initiative.”
Spotlight Initiative aims at achieving an Africa where all women especially the vulnerable are free from all harmful practices such as child marriages and Female Genital mutilation. Emphasis is laid on preventive efforts, particularly addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, ensuring victims and survivors have access to quality services and contribute immensely to society.
“Spotlight Initiative is a global initiative that has attracted $500 million and several countries have been selected across some continents in the world, to benefit from the grant. A total of about $250 million has been set aside for countries in Africa and Nigeria is one of the countries that have been selected. In Nigeria, additional envelope has been earmarked, which would be soon confirmed”, said Laolu Olawumi, the EU’s Program Manager to Nigeria.
Other countries to benefit from this program include Niger, Uganda, Mali, Mozambique, Liberia, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Read more on Nairametrics.
