GBV/Gender Norms: HFDI Takes Sensitisation To Rara Community in Ife North
By Abisola Ariwodola,
To increase the spread of ending gender based violence against women and girls in Osun communities, Hope for Family Development Initiatives HFDI Nigeria took its sensitisation and Gender Norms programme to Rara Community in Ife North local government of Osun state.
At the Gender Norms Session at Ife North in Rara Community and as part of the CDC/ECEWS SPEED Project, young minds in the community gathered for an engaging and informative session on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) which is to foster active participation and support.
The HFDI Programme Officer Comfort Alagbile spoke on topics which defined and identified GBV, means of recognizing and reporting GBV, empowering children to say “NO” to gender assault, understanding self-protection strategies, and preventing GBV in society.
The facilitator emphasized on some crucial steps to stop GBV: such as speaking out against GBV, supporting victims: listening to them, believing the victims story, and empowering them.
She highlighted the resolve of HFDI to engage community leaders and authorities in GBV issues, as well as report incidents.
Maintaining that educating the peers: would improve spread of awareness and promote change, Alagbile urged the future generation to take a stand against harmful gender norms and prevent GBV.
The participants at Rara Community demonstrated remarkable growth, showcasing enhanced understanding of GBV concepts, increased confidence, and awareness of self-protection strategies, and they all pledged to play active roles in preventing GBV against Women and Girls.