AHWRCDI SENSITIZATION CAMPAIGN ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AT AFUZE ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
Introduction On September 24, 2024, the African Human and Women’s Rights Community Development Initiative (AHWRCDI) conducted a sensitization campaign on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Afuze, Edo State. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the prevalence, causes, and consequences of GBV, as well as to empower community members with knowledge and resources to combat this societal issue.
Objectives of the Campaign The main objectives of the sensitization campaign were:
To educate community members about the different forms of gender-based violence.
To highlight the negative impacts of GBV on individuals, families, and society.
To provide information on available support services for survivors.
To encourage behavioral and attitudinal change toward gender equality and respect.
To foster community engagement in the fight against GBV.
Activities Conducted The campaign featured a series of activities, including:
Awareness Walk: Volunteers, stakeholders, and community members participated in a peaceful walk through the streets of Afuze, displaying placards with messages against GBV.
Educational Sessions: Experts on gender issues, legal practitioners, and social workers facilitated discussions on the types, causes, and legal implications of GBV.
Testimonies and Experience Sharing: Survivors of GBV and advocates shared their experiences, emphasizing the importance of speaking out and seeking help.
Drama and Role-Playing: A short drama was presented to illustrate real-life scenarios of GBV and appropriate ways to address such situations.
Distribution of IEC Materials: Informational, educational, and communication (IEC) materials, such as brochures and flyers, were distributed to reinforce key messages.
Referral Services: Attendees were provided with contacts for local organizations that offer legal aid, psychological counseling, and shelter services for survivors.
Participants and Stakeholders The event was attended by various stakeholders, including:
Representatives from local government and traditional leadership.
Community-based organizations and women’s rights groups.
Law enforcement agencies and legal practitioners.
Youth and student groups.
Religious and cultural leaders.
Media personnel for wider dissemination of the campaign’s objectives.
Impact and Outcomes The campaign successfully achieved the following:
Increased awareness among community members on the importance of addressing GBV.
Strengthened collaboration between stakeholders to enhance support systems for survivors.
Encouraged victims to break the silence and seek necessary assistance.
Mobilized community action towards ending GBV through advocacy and behavioral change.
Challenges Encountered Despite the campaign’s success, some challenges were noted, including:
Resistance from some cultural and religious groups who viewed the discussion on GBV as intrusive.
Limited funding, which constrained the scale of outreach efforts.
The need for continuous engagement to sustain the impact of the campaign.
Recommendations To build on the success of this campaign, AHWRCDI recommends the following:
Continuous sensitization programs to keep the momentum alive.
Stronger partnerships with local authorities to enforce laws against GBV.
Establishment of more safe spaces and support centers for survivors.
Incorporation of GBV awareness into school curricula and youth programs.
Conclusion The sensitization campaign on gender-based violence in Afuze was a significant step towards eradicating GBV in the community. The event fostered awareness, encouraged dialogue, and provided support mechanisms for affected individuals. AHWRCDI remains committed to promoting gender equality and human rights, and will continue its advocacy to ensure a safer and more inclusive society.