Ep. 19: Can Financial Inclusion Solve Gender-Based Violence?

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: 

India: 

• 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: [phone] 

• 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. 

Nigeria: 

• Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) 

• Helpline: ([phone] 

• 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: [phone] 

• 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: [phone] 

• Website: https://www.womenfundnigeria.org 

• Focuses on the economic empowerment and advocacy of women, including those affected by IPV. 

• The Mirabel Centre 

• Phone: [phone] (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. 

United States: 

• National Domestic Violence Hotline 

• Phone: [phone]-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: [phone]-HOPE (4673) 

• Website: https://www.safehorizon.org 

• Offers support services including legal assistance, shelter, and counseling. 

• Loveisrespect 

1. Phone: [phone] 

1. Text: "LOVEIS" to 22522 

1. Website: https://www.loveisrespect.org 

1. Provides support for young people and survivors of dating violence. 

 

United Kingdom: 

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (UK) 

• Phone: [phone] (Free, 24/7 helpline) 

• Website: https://w