The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has called for stronger action to eliminate Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), describing the protection of women and girls as essential to achieving safe sanitation, peaceful communities, better livelihoods and sustainable development across Africa.
According to an official statement signed by Princess Hamman-Obels, Director of IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, the organisation made the call to commemorate African Women’s Day 2026, celebrated under the theme, “Women’s Action for Safe Sanitation, Peaceful Communities and Better Livelihoods.”
IRIAD noted that African women remain central to the continent’s development, playing critical roles as caregivers, farmers, entrepreneurs, educators, professionals, innovators and community leaders whose contributions sustain families, economies and public institutions. However, it said these contributions continue to be threatened by widespread Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
The organisation described SGBV as a serious violation of human rights and a major obstacle to public health, peace, inclusive governance and sustainable development. It explained that violence against women and girls extends beyond physical assault to include rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, harmful traditional practices, trafficking, workplace exploitation, online abuse, political violence and other forms of psychological and economic abuse.
IRIAD stressed that the theme of this year’s African Women’s Day highlights the close relationship between women’s safety and sustainable development. It observed that many women and girls across the continent face harassment and sexual violence while accessing sanitation facilities, collecting water, attending school, participating in politics, working in markets and offices, or living in conflict-affected communities where inadequate sanitation and essential services expose them to exploitation and abuse.
The organisation warned that communities cannot be truly peaceful where women and girls live in fear, adding that livelihoods cannot flourish when violence limits women’s participation in economic, social and political life. It maintained that safe sanitation cannot be achieved if women are unable to access sanitation facilities without fear of harassment or assault.
IRIAD called for greater investment in prevention measures, survivor-centred support services, stronger accountability and safer public infrastructure, saying efforts to end SGBV must go beyond responding after violence has occurred. It advocated for secure schools, violence-free workplaces, inclusive public spaces, accountable institutions and communities where women and girls can live, work, learn and lead with dignity.
The organisation also urged governments to strengthen the implementation of laws protecting women, integrate gender-responsive policies across sanitation, healthcare, education, governance, climate resilience and humanitarian response, while ensuring women’s safety before, during and after elections.
Political parties were encouraged to reject violence, intimidation and discrimination against women, while religious and traditional leaders were urged to challenge harmful social norms and promote justice, dignity and inclusion. Civil society organisations were also called upon to intensify advocacy for survivor-centred policies and stronger accountability, while citizens were encouraged to report abuse, support survivors and reject harmful stereotypes.
Reaffirming its commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusive governance, IRIAD said ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is fundamental to achieving the aspirations of Africa’s Agenda 2063.
The organisation maintained that protecting women is not only about safeguarding their rights but also about strengthening democracy, improving governance, promoting sustainable development and securing Africa’s collective future.
It urged governments, institutions, development partners and citizens to work together 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.
