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: 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.  Nigeria:  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.  United States:  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.    United Kingdom:  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.