AXA Mansard, a prominent Nigerian insurance firm, has mobilized over 900 of its employees in a concerted effort to combat domestic and sexual violence, with a specific focus on protecting children. This significant initiative was undertaken as part of the company's annual 'AXA Week for Good' program, demonstrating a profound commitment to societal well-being beyond its core business operations.

During a week-long series of impactful activities, volunteers from AXA Mansard spread across major Nigerian cities including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Their primary engagement involved visiting schools, where they educated both students and teachers on crucial aspects of identifying, preventing, and effectively reporting cases of sexual and domestic abuse. This hands-on approach aims to empower communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard vulnerable individuals.

The outreach is a core component of 'AXA Hearts In Action' (AHIA), the insurer's flagship corporate responsibility program. AHIA actively encourages employees to contribute tangibly to societal progress through various means, including volunteering their time, making donations, and sharing valuable knowledge. This embedded culture of service is evident in the remarkable statistic that in 2024 alone, more than half of AXA Mansard’s workforce dedicated over 23,000 volunteer hours to such causes.

Rashidat Adebisi, the Chief Client Officer at AXA Mansard, articulated the strategic alignment of this campaign with the company's overarching mission to “act for human progress by protecting what matters.” She emphasized that this year's initiative prominently featured the theme, “Being a Girl Shouldn’t Be a Risk,” designed to spotlight the heightened vulnerabilities faced by young girls within Nigerian society. Adebisi underscored the ethical and socio-economic imperative of shielding the girl child, noting that Nigeria's 105 million children and adolescents, representing nearly half the nation’s population, are its most valuable asset, yet violence poses a severe threat to their future.

Alarming statistics cited by Adebisi further highlight the urgency of the campaign: a staggering 60% of Nigerian children experience at least one form of violence before reaching the age of 18. This sobering figure serves as a powerful call to action. Through the 'AXA Hearts In Action' program, employees are not merely educating but are also actively working to ensure that girls and all children have access to safe spaces, thereby collectively pushing back against all manifestations of abuse. AXA Mansard consistently reinforces the message that true corporate responsibility transcends policy sales and underwriting, positioning the company as a leader in fostering safer and more inclusive communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive.