“One night on campus, a friend of mine returned to the hostel in tears, her clothes were in shreds and she looked battered. We were preparing for exams, so she had gone to read. On her way back, she was accosted by an unknown guy who dragged her to a lonely spot and raped her. It took a lot for her to confide in me and admit that she’s been raped”. According to 24-year-old Miss Nigeria, Ezinne Akudo Anyaoha who recently launched her Rape Crisis Center ‘The Eight Foundation’, the above incident awoke a desire in her to provide help, hope and healing to those affected by sexual violence..
miss-nigeria-Ezinne-1While speaking to pressmen at the launching of the foundation on Monday 23rd of March, 2015, the beauty queen said the foundation is dedicated to promoting the needs of women and girls who are victims of sexual assault.
“We live in a world where women are abused daily and they are unable to speak up. One out of four women experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.
This crime can take place at anytime and can happen to anyone regardless of tribe, religion or social class. Sadly, the society’s response to this heinous crime has led victims to believe that silence is the best option. However, speaking up is our greatest weapon in this fight against sexual violence.
We hope to give a new beginning to victims of this menace, hence the name ‘Eight Foundation’. The number ‘Eight’ signifies a ‘New beginning’”.
The Eight Foundation is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the needs of women and girls who have experienced sexual violence by providing them with the necessary medical care and social rehabilitation. It also educates and raise awareness and understanding of sexual violence in the society.
“Sexual violence can happen to anyone and it has devastating short and long-term consequences on the physical and emotional well-being of affected persons. It cuts across social barriers, ethnicity and religion. No one deserves or asks for it to happen. This organization was founded as a safe haven and is committed to ensuring that every victim is treated with dignity, kindness, love and with utmost professionalism. It is very difficult to speak up but we promise to listen, care for them and stand with them”. She added.
Also, the marketing manager of EasyTaxi, Mr Femi Fajemisin spoke on their partnership with the foundation. “The Eight foundation is all about the rehabilitation of rape victims and sexually abused women and girls. EasyTaxi as a transport solution is all about safety and convenience and since most of our clients and customers are women, we felt it was important to be part of the cause, so as to help protect our women”.
The Foundation provides free services in the areas of Crisis Response, Medical Care, Counseling & Support, Court Advocacy, Education & Outreach with the support of the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender, The Domestic and Sexual Violence response team and the Mirabel Center.
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