Jane Salihu
The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has declared that ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is critical to Africa’s democratic future, economic prosperity and sustainable development, warning that no society can achieve lasting peace or inclusive growth while women and girls continue to face violence, discrimination and exclusion.
In a statement issued on Friday to commemorate African Women’s Day 2026, IRIAD said the continent’s development agenda would remain unattainable unless governments, political actors, traditional institutions and citizens take deliberate steps to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
The organisation, which joined the African Union, governments, civil society organisations and development partners in marking this year’s celebration, noted that the 2026 theme, “Women’s Action for Safe Sanitation, Peaceful Communities and Better Livelihoods,” underscores the indispensable role women play in building resilient societies.
According to the statement signed by Princess Hamman-Obels, Director of IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, women remain at the heart of Africa’s development as caregivers, farmers, entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators and community leaders, yet their contributions are continually undermined by widespread Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
The organisation described SGBV as not only a criminal offence and violation of human rights but also a major public health challenge and a significant obstacle to peace, inclusive governance and sustainable development across the continent.
IRIAD stressed that women and girls are frequently exposed to harassment, intimidation and sexual violence while accessing sanitation facilities, fetching water, attending schools, participating in politics, working in markets and offices, or living in conflict and humanitarian settings.
It noted that inadequate sanitation infrastructure and unsafe public spaces continue to expose women to abuse, while violence against women in politics discourages participation and weakens democratic governance.
The organisation warned that communities cannot truly be peaceful where women and girls live in fear, adding that livelihoods cannot flourish where violence limits women’s social, political and economic participation.
“Safe sanitation cannot be realised if women cannot access sanitation facilities without fear of harassment or assault. Protecting women from violence is therefore fundamental to building healthier communities, stronger economies and democracies, and more inclusive societies,” the statement said.
IRIAD called for a shift from merely responding to incidents of violence to preventing them through stronger implementation of laws, survivor-centred services, improved public infrastructure and institutional accountability.
The organisation urged governments to integrate gender-responsive policies into sanitation, healthcare, education, labour, urban planning, climate resilience and governance while ensuring women are protected before, during and after elections.
It also challenged political parties to reject violence, hate speech and discrimination against women, insisting that democracy can only thrive where women are able to contest elections and participate safely in political processes.
Religious and traditional leaders were urged to confront harmful cultural practices and promote dignity, inclusion and justice, while civil society organisations were encouraged to sustain advocacy for stronger accountability and survivor-centred policies.
Addressing survivors of SGBV, IRIAD assured them of its solidarity, affirming that violence does not define their worth and that every survivor deserves justice, protection, healing and support.
The organisation further called on citizens across Africa to reject harmful stereotypes, report abuse, support survivors and promote respectful relationships capable of fostering peaceful and inclusive communities.
Reaffirming its commitment to advancing gender equity and strengthening democratic governance, IRIAD maintained that societies where women are protected are healthier, more peaceful, more democratic and economically prosperous.
It added that achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063 requires the active participation, leadership and protection of women, insisting that ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is essential to securing Africa’s present and future.
The organisation concluded by urging governments, institutions and citizens to work collectively to ensure every woman and girl can access safe sanitation, live free from violence, contribute to peaceful communities and pursue sustainable livelihoods with dignity and equal opportunity.
