Behind the closed doors of many homes, violence is a harsh reality—especially for women in low-income countries. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Anita Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), to explore the intersection of finance and gender-based violence. With one in three women worldwide experiencing physical or sexual violence—most often at the hands of intimate partners—the conversation delves into the devastating realities women face. In low-income countries, nearly 50% of women experience intimate partner violence, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue globally. We’ll discuss how financial services can empower survivors, tackle economic violence—which often accompanies 99% of economic abuse cases—and provide pathways to independence and resilience. Drawing on Dr. DaSilva-Ibru's groundbreaking work in Nigeria and innovative survivor-centered approaches, she’ll explore with us the critical role financial institutions play in driving systemic change. Don’t miss this compelling discussion on leveraging finance as a catalyst for safety and empowerment.
If you or someone you know has been affected by gender-based violence, please find some resources below:
Women's Helpline 181 Phone: 181 (24/7 helpline across India) Website: https://www.ncw.nic.in/helpline Offers emergency support and guidance to women facing violence. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Helpline Phone: 022-25521111 Provides crisis intervention and support for women facing domestic violence. Sakhi (Support Centre for Women) Website: https://www.sakhi.org Offers shelter, counseling, legal aid, and support to survivors of domestic violence in different states. Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) Helpline: (+234)-8009-210-0009 Email: www.warifng.org WARIF offers a comprehensive approach to tackling gender-based violence, including emergency care, legal assistance, and counseling for survivors of IPV. The Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) Phone: 0701 767 5105 Website: https://www.dsvrtlagos.org Operates in Lagos and offers support, including legal, psychological, and medical assistance for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Nigerian Women's Trust Fund (NWTF) Phone: +234 802 116 6089 Website: https://www.womenfundnigeria.org Focuses on the economic empowerment and advocacy of women, including those affected by IPV. The Mirabel Centre Phone: 0703 103 1245 (Helpline) Website: https://www.mirabelcentre.org A sexual assault referral centre in Lagos providing free medical and counseling services to survivors of sexual violence, including intimate partner violence. National Domestic Violence Hotline Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Text: "START" to 88788 Website: https://www.thehotline.org Offers confidential support, resources, and a live chat feature for survivors of IPV. Women’s Law (Legal Resource for Women) Website: https://www.womenslaw.org Provides information about legal rights, including protection orders and state-specific laws. Safe Horizon Phone: 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) Website: https://www.safehorizon.org Offers support services including legal assistance, shelter, and counseling. Loveisrespect Phone: 1-866-331-9474 Text: "LOVEIS" to 22522 Website: https://www.loveisrespect.org Provides support for young people and survivors of dating violence. National Domestic Abuse Helpline (UK) Phone: 0808 2000 247 (Free, 24/7 helpline) Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk Provides confidential support and advice for those experiencing domestic abuse. Women's Aid Federation (UK) Phone: 0808 801 0327 Website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk Offers practical and emotional support for women experiencing abuse, including access to refuges and legal advice. Refuge (UK) Phone: 0808 2000 247 (National Domestic Abuse Helpline) Website: https://www.refuge.org.uk Provides emergency shelter, support, and advocacy for women and children experiencing domestic violence. The Survivors' Trust (UK) Website: https://www.thesurvivorstrust.org Provides a network of support services for survivors of sexual violence, including those experiencing IPV.