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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The 2nd Quarter Stakeholder Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Other Service Providers Coordination and Validation Meeting took place at the Children’s Home in Lafia over the weekend.
Supported by the Ford Foundation and the World Bank, this pivotal gathering brought together diverse stakeholders in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Representatives from key entities, including the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Women in Mining, Nigeria (WIM, Nigeria), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Human Rights Commission, joined forces with civil society organizations.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, in her opening remarks, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in combating SGBV, commending attendees for their commitment.
Mrs. Michelle Oyinye, representing WIM, Nigeria, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative nature of the meeting. “This meeting is not just about reviewing a document; it is about forging a path forward together,” she stated. Her words underscored WIM, Nigeria’s proactive engagement in addressing SGBV.
The meeting’s objectives included updating participants on GBV activities in the state, peer reviewing, validating and adapting the state-level referral handbook, and developing the Nasarawa State Sexual Exploitation and Abuse/Sexual Harassment Action Plan, among others.
Mr. Clement, Director of the Planning and Research Department at the Ministry of Women Affairs, encouraged constructive dialogue to achieve these aims.
A key highlight was the unveiling of the comprehensive SGBV referral handbook by Women in Mining, Nigeria, now officially endorsed as a state-level resource. This handbook features a detailed referral pathway, a directory of service providers, translations in the local Hausa dialect, and pictorial guides, enhancing the effectiveness of SGBV interventions.
Furthermore, a capacity-building session on the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Law) equipped participants with a deeper understanding of the law and strategies for its implementation.
Barrister Justina Alkali, Director GBV, expressed gratitude to all attendees and contributors for their unwavering dedication to addressing SGBV, concluding the meeting on a note of appreciation.
