By: BISODUN BASSEY ROXANNE
Dr Ayodeji Uzoma, a Gender Analyst representing United Nations Population Fund, has urged advocates and Champions of Sexual Gender- Based Violence (SGBV) to take proactive approach in addressing issues, in their immediate Rural Communities, comprising major districts and Villages where UNFPA could not have been able to reach.
Dr. Uzoma emphasises the importance of targeting grassroots to eradicate harmful practices against humanity.
This call to action
This call to action was made during a 2-day training and mobilization program held at development centre on 25- 26 of November, 2024. The event brought together Community- Based Organization’s (CBOs), Non- Governmental Organization’s (NGOs) and Civil Society Organization’s (CSOs) to enhance their Capacity in addressing SGBV.
The Program aimed at promoting grassroot awareness and thorough sensitisation on SGBV, in collaboration with Oyo State Government and the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health, University College Hospital (UCH), under the leadership of Prof. Oladosu Ogungbade.
During her visit to the training centre day 2, Dr Uzoma reiterated the importance of pursuing the cause with clear objectives focused at Rural communities, she emphasise that women and girls are the most vulnerable to abuse and stressed the need to leverage on the 16days of Activism against Gender- Based Violence. This global campaign, themed ” No Excuse, Unite to End Violence against Women and Girls” serves as a rallying cry to eliminate Violence against Women and Girls.
The 2-day training featured in- depth discussions on case scenarios, proposed solutions to challenges,and root causes of SGBV.
Participants explored the rights, privileges, and support available to survivor’s as well as the offences that attract penalties and the stipulated punishments for perpetrators.
The Training also covered psycho – social support, ground rules, confidentiality, and capacity – building for Survivor’s.
Additionally, the referral pathway for SGBV survivor’s and the protective provisions of the Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law were explained by Mrs Awosemusi Modupe Helen, a lawyer from Ministry of Justice.
Furthermore, Alhaja Bilikisu Olawoyin from Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, along with Mrs Olafunmilayo Akinpelu from MWASI, led sessions on orientation, sensitisation and empowerment regarding acts of violence and abuse on women and girls. They both discussed the consequences, after- math of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Mr Emmanuel Olumide Yelotan, a staff member of the Facilitator at the Centre for Population and Reproductive Health UCH, shared effective strategies to achieve positive outcomes to combat SGBV, during an interactive session of the 2-day training, he outlined urgent and feasible strategies to mitigate the menace and provided thoughtful responses to sensitive questions. The brought together 2 representatives from each Rural local areas in Oyo state.
Mr Yelotan advised SGBV Champions to build on lessons learned from previous experience to inform their future projects, he also emphasized the importance of community – led initiatives, ” Work with Communities, and not for community. ” to achieve excellence at the grassroots.
The ultimate target is to eradicate extremely harmful practice’s that violates human rights, with provisions in place for with statistics, maintenance, community support and feedback, not neglecting individuals with special Needs.
In an interview with Journalist Reporters at Large, Lawyer Modupe delved deeper into crucial aspects of addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV) at day 2, she elaborate on Jurisdiction, institutional support, protection order, and remedies available to victims ( survivor’s).
She also discussed the rights of victims according to law, with a focus on case’s of rape and how best to handle, visit, and follow-up on GBV case’s until being resolved closed. While she addressed the challenges of reporting amidst ignorance, cultural barriers, and stigma, providing insights on how Champions could identify GBV, the support to offer, and how to efficiently utilize the law as a tool to combat case’s of SGBV.
Director of Rural Development, Princess Adetona from Isemile Kajola LG areas of Oyo state, and Alhaja Mrs. Airat Ogungbenro from Atiba LG, representing the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria ( FOMWAN), pledge with other Champions to take SGBV Gospel of total eradication and abandonment to Rural Communities, villages, and districts through thorough sensitisation connecting with Team work, having being empowered and acquired knowledge with strategies at the 2-day training and Mobilisation .
NGOs, CBOs, and CSOs hereby, urge Oyo state Government to address crucial critical issues affecting survivor’s, including risk factors, also to respond promptly to SGBV cases, ensuring the Survival and well-being of Survivor’s.