The Roles and Challenges of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in combating Violence Against Women in Nigeria. A case study of Women’s Right Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA).

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to assess the effort of Non-Governmental Organization in combating violence against women in Nigeria using an NGO known as Women Right Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA). This study uses qualitative method in gathering empirical data as well as in the analysis. The interview guide was semi-structured interviews whereby WRAPA’s employees working at the organization’s head office were interviewed. And also interviewed were the victims of violence against women who themselves were the beneficiaries of WRAPA’s projects. Theoretical frameworks applied in this study are social action theory and empowerment theory which will further explain the aspect of gender power relation and the empowerment concepts, as well as the elements of empowerment and the NGOs. The theoretical framework used was to get a deeper understanding of the role of WRAPA helps women in Nigeria to overcome violence. The result showed that WRAPA has played a great role as an NGO in addressing violence against women in Nigeria. Although, most of the violence against women in Nigeria are due to certain traditions and religious practices. For example, most women who are victims cannot report due to the fact that they economically dependents on their husband. So, what WRAPA is doing is to train most women with skills to be self-employed and educate the women on how to resist violence. On the other hand WRAPA faces challenges in terms of culture, weak legal backings on violence against women in Nigeria and lack of funds to build enough homes for women that are faced with violence. For WRAPA to successfully carry out their roles as NGO in Nigeria there should be enough funds to assist the victims of violence and legislation on violence against women must be strengthened and enforced.