By Justina Auta
An NGO, Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF) says 2,100 girls and boys between ages 15 and 25 from Lagos, Ebonyi and Benue states have been engaged in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) prevention, response and referral activities.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs Tayo Erinle, said this in Abuja on Monday at the close out of the first phase of the one-year Scale ENGAGE-Her Project.
Some dignitaries and beneficiaries at the close out of the ENGAGE-Her project in Abuja.
Erinle said that the project was implemented under the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) Nigeria, funded by USAID and implemented by Palladium and TCF.
The director added that “we have worked with 2,100 beneficiaries not just girls but also boys in Benue, Ebonyi and Lagos states to educate them on how to prevent, respond and refer GBV cases to appropriate authorities.
She said ” there have been tremendous achievements, the girls and boys in the safe spaces have become confident to speak out against GBV.
“They are also learning and teaching others about GBV, their parents, community members and they help to report GBV cases, and are able to support survivors to pursue justice, rather than leave them to their trauma.
“Also, girls and boys in this programme have had their capacity built financially.”
Erinle also said that 75 safe spaces for girls and boys were established, while 15 communities and 15 schools benefitted from the project across the states.
She, therefore, recommended the establishment of more safe spaces for survivors, sensitisation and engagement with stakeholders to end SGBV.
Lydia Odeh, Chief of Party, Palladium, said “we started supporting by providing services to survivors of GBV for one year.
“This event is to disseminate our results, learning and challenges so that if we are going into a new phase of the project, we will bring in the challenges and disseminate to mobilise support against survivors.’’
Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, commended the TCF for the impacts in ending GBV and other harmful practices against women and girls.
He said ” the project, under exemplary leadership, has not only created opportunities for women, but also created engagements for a more inclusive and equitable environment.”
Awojodun Boluwatife, a beneficiary from Lagos, said: “I learnt a lot about GBV and how to share the knowledge with others. (NAN)
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