For decades, conversations about violence against women in Nigeria have rightly focused on girls, adolescents and younger women. Yet another group of women has remained largely outside the centre of the national conversation: older women.

They are mothers, grandmothers, caregivers, widows, community leaders, professionals and custodians of family history. Many spent decades raising families, supporting communities and contributing to society. Yet as they grow older, some become increasingly exposed to neglect, financial exploitation, psychological abuse, physical violence, social isolation and other forms of mistreatment.

It is against this background that the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation (ADF), founded by Iyom Josephine Anenih, is partnering with Gender and Development Action (GADA) to undertake research into the abuse of older persons, with particular attention to violence and other forms of abuse suffered by older women.
The partnership brings together two complementary areas of expertise: ADF’s experience in elderly care, dementia awareness and the wellbeing of older people, and GADA’s long-standing work in gender equality, research, advocacy, social justice and the prevention of gender-based violence.

GADA describes itself as a Nigerian non-governmental organisation committed to gender equality, women’s political and public rights, sustainable development and social justice. Its work includes research, documentation, training, advocacy, dialogue and mobilisation.
ADF, meanwhile, has developed its work around the welfare of older people and people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Public records of the foundation’s activities show its involvement in senior citizens’ recreation, medical outreach and dementia-related support.

The new research partnership therefore addresses an important gap: understanding what happens to older women when age, gender, economic dependence, declining health and social vulnerability intersect