As part of ongoing efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV) in Ondo State, Kids & Teens Resource, with support from Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), organized a 16-day activism program focused on enhancing the capacity of the Community Response Team to tackle GBV in rural communities.
The GBV Desk Officer from the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr. Ibukun Akindele, facilitated the training session, explaining that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) includes physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as coercion and restrictions on autonomy.
He emphasized the importance of reporting and refering GBV cases, noting that handling such cases effectively often requires collaboration. In some instances, legal or medical services may be necessary. He highlighted that organizations such as the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs, OSAAGBV, FIDA, Civil Defence, and other relevant bodies can work together to ensure more effective responses to GBV cases.
He also highlighted the significance of whistleblowing with evidence in situations where individuals are unable to report openly.
The event was attended by CRT members who had been trained by WARDC to identify and respond to GBV effectively, with a focus on creating awareness and providing support to survivors.
The Olori of Ilado Community, Mrs. Adenike Ajumole, expressed her gratitude to WARDC for its unwavering efforts to eradicate GBV in the community and for providing an opportunity to strengthen the CRT’s capacity in reporting cases to the appropriate channels, as highlighted by the facilitator, Mr. Ibukun Akindele.
She commended the CRT for their tireless work in addressing GBV cases, noting the significant role they and the customary court have played in handling reported incidents. However, she acknowledged challenges such as survivors opting to resolve cases within their families and refusing external intervention, which limits the CRT’s ability to act. She suggested that integration of the CRT into the LGA and other Government structures would enhance their ability to perform their duties more effectively.
She urged the government to allocate funds to support GBV interventions, as insufficient funding, inability to provide shelter and sustained economic empowerment to survivors significantly hampers their efforts.
A house-to-house sensitization campaign was conducted, during which residents participated in discussions about GBV. Following this, a member of the She Leads Network in Ondo State, Ms Blessing Abioye, expressed gratitude to both the facilitator and the CRT for their efforts in making the activities impactful. She called on Government and other relevant stakeholders to invest and unite to end Violence Against Women and Girls.
To further unite efforts of Government and CSOs to end GBV, an advocacy visit was made to the GBV focal person in Odigbo LGA to explore potential areas of collaboration and work towards making Odigbo LGA a violence-free zone.
Additionally, approximately 450 residents were engaged during a market sensitization program, which included interactive discussions with community clusters of men, women, and youths focus on educating them on their role in ending violence against women and girls in Ondo State.
