Stakeholders Endorse New GBV Response Framework to Strengthen Institutional Accountability
By Esther Bello
Stakeholders across government, civil society, and the justice sector have endorsed a new framework developed by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership (ACPL) aimed at improving institutional response to gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
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The framework, known as the Minimum Viable Gender-Based Violence Response Standard (MVRS), was introduced during ACPL’s International Women’s Day webinar themed “Beyond the Conversation: Turning Women’s Rights into Measurable Action.”
Participants described the MVRS as a practical tool designed to strengthen prevention systems, reporting mechanisms, and coordination among institutions handling GBV cases. The framework outlines minimum operational standards for community-facing institutions such as schools, health facilities, faith-based organisations, and relevant public agencies.
Key features of the MVRS include clearly defined entry points for reporting abuse, confidentiality safeguards, escalation protocols for high-risk cases, and structured referral systems to medical, legal, psychosocial, and protection services.
Speaking at the event, ACPL Executive Director, Chidinma Chidoka, said the initiative is focused on bridging the gap between advocacy and implementation.
“The MVRS sets a practical floor—the minimum steps institutions can take to improve consistency, coordination, and safety-first response, even under constrained resources,” she said.
The webinar brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including government officials, law enforcement representatives, civil society organisations, and professionals in the education and health sectors. Discussions centred on strengthening institutional roles, improving first-response practices, and establishing measurable accountability systems that protect victims’ privacy.
Panelists at the event included Honourable Adijat Motunrayo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State; Dr. Nonyelum Elsie Nwokolo; Dr. Sumaye Hamza of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN); Kemi Okenyodo of Partners West Africa Nigeria; and Dr. Kabura Zakama.
ACPL announced that the MVRS v1.0 will be published alongside a Pathway-to-Safety Resource Sheet and an event communiqué. The organisation also plans to track stakeholder commitments over a 60–90-day period to ensure implementation beyond the commemorative event.
The Centre reaffirmed its commitment to advancing evidence-based policy solutions and strengthening institutional frameworks to improve women’s safety and rights across Nigeria.