Agency
A coalition of faith-based and Civil Society Organisations have called for the enforcement of laws against all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as swift prosecution of perpetrators.
They made the call in Abuja at the inauguration of a brochure on trauma identification and management titled, ‘Stories of Pain and Hope’.
The brochure was produced by Misereor Dialogue and Partnership Service (Misereor-DSP), a German faith-based organisation, in collaboration with its partners.
The Executive Director of Adinya Arise Foundation, Mrs Mabel Ade, said traditional and cultural dynamics create a complex web that perpetuates the cycle of abuse and oppression.
According to her, practices such as child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation, among others, reinforce the subjugation
of women and perpetuate women’s vulnerability to violence.
She demanded the immediate return of the remaining Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped 10 years ago by Boko Haram insurgents and the last of Dapchi schoolgirls, and Leah Sharibu, who are still in custody of insurgents, among others.
Adinya said when laws fail to adequately protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable, they will continue to perpetuate GBV.
The director urged Nigerians to ask the government to prioritise the safety and well-being of citizens, particularly women and girls.
“There is an urgent need for enactment and enforcement of laws that criminalise all forms of GVB, and for swift prosecution of perpetrators.
“There is also the need for the establishment of specialised healthcare services, tailored to the unique needs of GBV survivors, including comprehensive maternal health services and mental health support.
“Implementing widespread educational campaigns aimed at eradicating the stigma surrounding Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and promoting gender equality and respect are also urgently needed.
“Also, creating opportunities for economic empowerment through skill training, entrepreneurship programmes and job placement initiatives targeted at survivors are fundamental.
“There is a need to empower survivors to participate in the political process through leadership training, advocacy platforms, and support networks, thereby giving the women the needed voice and space to tell their own stories and be healed in the process,” she added.
While congratulating Misereor and partners for the groundbreaking initiative, Adinya expressed hope that issues regarding GBV would attract attention.
The Head of Misereor-DSP, Ms Julia Kroja, said trauma-sensitive work involves implementing practices and interventions that recognise and respond to the trauma experienced by individuals and communities.
She said that for 10 years, Misereor and partner organisations have been involved in trauma-sensitive work and psychosocial care.
According to her, representatives of these organisations have participated in training, applied their knowledge to projects, collected stories from affected persons and offered support in various forms.
Kroja said the coalition had carried out individual and group counselling during which teachers were trained and continued to work with Internally Displaced Persons. camps.
She explained that in the inaugurated brochure, there are four stories of women and girl survivors of GBV.
“This publication takes a community-based approach to provide examples of wounded hearts, how to recognise a wounded heart, and how we can heal together.
“Trauma-sensitive work requires a holistic and multidisciplinary approach that addresses the complex interplay of individual, interpersonal, community, and
structural factors that contribute to trauma.
“By prioritising trauma-informed practices and interventions, organisations can better support the recovery, resilience and well-being of individuals and communities affected by trauma,” Adinya added.
Speaking also, the Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, Dr Ibrahim Zikrullahi said the number of traumatised persons in society is on the increase, lamenting that insecurity, corruption, economic hardship, and the uncertainty of the time are parts of the factors for mass trauma conditions.
(NAN)
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