The Women Aid Collective (WACOL) has launched a digital podcast platform to break the silence of victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and tackle the menace nationwide.
The Senior Communication Officer of WACOL, an NGO, Ambassador Bethel Ezugwu, announced the launch in a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday.
Ezugwu noted that the launch of the podcast is part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) beginning from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, 2025, meant to deepen the fight against GBV nationwide.
According to her, WACOL is boldly amplifying its campaign with a transformative new initiative: the launch of the “Breaking The Silence” Podcast, a beacon of hope and a powerful call to action in the digital age.
“WACOL proudly announces the debut of the “Breaking the Silence” Podcast, airing Nov. 25 and hosted by the trailblazing Prof. Joy Ezeilo (SAN).
“Prof. Ezeilo is an internationally celebrated human rights advocate, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons (especially Women and Children), and Chairperson of Nigeria’s Sexual Assaults Referral Network (SARC).
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“This groundbreaking podcast will serve as an essential preventive tool, delivering robust social and legal education to empower listeners to prevent and confront gender-based violence and all forms of human rights abuse.
“Most importantly, it creates a safe space for victims and survivors — allowing their authentic voices to resonate as they seek justice, healing and hope,” she said.
She said that for nearly 30 years, WACOL had been committed to championing human rights, fighting gender-based discrimination and violence, and offering free legal aid to more than 82,000 women and young people facing adversity.
“Yet, fundamental barriers remain. Too many survivors lack essential knowledge — such as how to respond in the aftermath of sexual assault—jeopardising evidence and their pursuit of justice.
“Even now, the root causes and warning signs of domestic violence are shrouded in misunderstanding, leaving countless individuals (women and girls) exposed to harm,” she said.
Ezugwu noted that as GBV demands unity and a multifaceted strategy; WACOL had reinforced its comprehensive programmes, which included grassroots empowerment with the support of the Ford Foundation.
“WACOL is empowering and equipping nine Community-Based Organizations across 12 states and six geopolitical zones.
“In partnership with Alliance Française, WACOL is curating an art exhibition based on the 2025 theme: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”.
“Students from tertiary and secondary institutions across the South-East are invited to submit works, culminating in an exhibition from Dec. 1 and Dec.5, 2025 at the Alliance Française Centre, Enugu.
“The top five student artists will share prizes exceeding One Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N1.2 million), a testament to youth power in the movement to end GBV in Nigeria,” she said.
It would be recalled that the battle against GBV — including harmful cultural and social practices — needed decisive action, concerted and collective efforts of stakeholders rising for change and protection of women and girls.
