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 particular focus on protecting children. This significant undertaking formed a core part of the company’s annual 'AXA Week for Good' initiative, demonstrating a deep commitment to societal well-being beyond its commercial operations.

The dedicated volunteers engaged in a comprehensive, week-long series of social impact activities across key Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. A central component of their outreach involved visits to schools, where they actively educated students and teachers on crucial aspects of abuse: how to effectively identify instances of sexual and domestic abuse, strategies for prevention, and the proper channels for reporting such cases. This hands-on approach aimed to empower communities with the knowledge necessary to safeguard their most vulnerable members.

This extensive outreach is an integral part of 'AXA Hearts In Action' (AHIA), which stands as the insurer’s flagship corporate responsibility programme. AHIA is designed to foster a culture where employees are encouraged to make tangible contributions to societal progress through various means, including direct volunteering, financial donations, and the sharing of valuable knowledge and expertise.

Rashidat Adebisi, Chief Client Officer at AXA Mansard, articulated the strategic alignment of this campaign with the company’s foundational commitment to “act for human progress by protecting what matters.” She underscored the specific and poignant theme chosen for this year’s initiative: “Being a Girl Shouldn’t Be a Risk.” This theme was selected to acutely raise awareness about the significant vulnerabilities faced by the girl child within Nigerian society, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures.

Adebisi further elaborated on the profound significance of this focus, stating, “This theme gives us the opportunity to highlight the socio-economic and ethical imperatives of protecting the girl child.” She contextualized the gravity of the situation by noting that Nigeria’s 105 million children and adolescents, who constitute nearly half of the nation’s total population, represent its most invaluable asset. Alarmingly, violence against children poses a severe and direct threat to the country’s future trajectory.

Reinforcing the urgency, Adebisi cited sobering statistics revealing that a staggering 60% of Nigerian children experience at least one form of violence before reaching the age of 18. This pervasive issue serves as a powerful “call to action.” She emphasized that through the 'AXA Hearts In Action' programme, AXA Mansard employees are not merely educating but are actively working to ensure that girls and all children have access to safe spaces, thereby collectively pushing back against abuse in all its insidious forms.

The company’s commitment to corporate responsibility is further evidenced by its impressive volunteer statistics for 2024. In that year alone, more than half of AXA Mansard’s workforce dedicated over 23,000 volunteer hours. This remarkable figure is a clear testament to the deeply embedded culture of service within the company and its steadfast dedication to addressing pressing societal challenges. Beyond its primary business of policy sales and underwriting, AXA Mansard consistently reinforces the message that true corporate responsibility entails leading by example—actively fostering the creation of safer, more inclusive communities where every child is afforded the opportunity to thrive without fear.