A non governmental organization based in Rivers State, Healthy Life Initiative, HELDi, has concluded a two-day capacity building programme on measures to tackle Sexual and Gender Based Violence, SGBV, for volunteers, staff and board members.
The capacity building, sponsored by Rise Up, took place at the HELDi’s corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Speaking on the essence of the training, the Coordinator, Healthy Life Development Initiative, Dr. Mfon Utin said the training was targeted at equipping volunteers, staff and board members with the required knowledge to handle issues of sexual and gender based violence.
She commended the sponsor, Rise Up for making the event a reality while urging all participants to draw up lessons from the training that will enable them sit pretty on the job.
On the importance of the training, the Coordinator emphasized the need for effective handling of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) issues as they prepare to support three local governments (Eleme, Etche and Ogba/ Egbema/ Ndoni) across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State in establishing response teams for SGBV survivors.
She affirmed HELDi’s dedication to fostering a safe environment and promoting healthy living for all with the main focus on women and people with disabilities.
“The organization is committed to ensuring that the project’s goals are met in the fight against SGBV, which disproportionately affects their target audiences, particularly women and children, due to cultural norms and gender stereotypes.
“By empowering local response teams, HELDi aims to create a supportive network for survivors, improve reporting mechanisms, and raise awareness about the impacts of SGBV. This initiative is essential in challenging existing societal norms and advocating for the rights and well-being of those affected by violence.
“Let me commend our sponsor, Rise Up for making this capacity building a reality. I also appreciate the volunteers, staff and board members for their cooperation.
“I urge you all to draw lessons from all the presentations and think of new ways to tackle the malady called sexual and gender based violence.”
Presenting a paper on the legal aspect of SGBV, 2024 Rise Up Leader, Mrs. Jane Appolos, highlighted the dangers of engaging in sexual and gender based violence. Apollos advised victims of SGBV to speak out.
She stratified gender based violence to include sexual violence, violence against transgender people, domestic violence among others.
A Health Educator in Rivers State, Dr Diana Babbo who spoke on “SGBV, Health Consequences and Implications on Victims”, identified medical implications of SGBV to include organ damage, psychological problems, social stigma, unplanned pregnancy and many others.
Dr. Babbo informed participants on how they can assist survivors in identifying perpetrators, particularly in the context of post-rape situations.
She harped on the importance of reporting incidents to the nearest government health facilities for necessary testing before the survivor bathes, as this preserves vital evidence.
She also highlighted the need for prompt medical attention to prevent serious illnesses and infections in the future.
Dr. Babbo stressed the importance of continuous support for survivors to help mitigate issues such as depression, stigma, and other health challenges that could potentially lead to death.
“Following medical attention, reporting to regulatory agencies, such as the police, is essential for proper follow-up, judgment, and punishment of the offenders.
Dr Babbo noted that SGBV can lead to psychological issues, damage of sexual and reproductive organs, sexually transmitted deceases and other adverse effects.
She charged participants to be at the forefront of the campaign in order to put an end to SGBV.
Reacting to the capacity building, a member of the board, Dr. Immaculate Oyibo described the training as an eye opener for the board members, staff and volunteers working with Healthy Life Development Initiatives.
She appreciated the sponsor, Rise Up for the training and congratulated all participants for staying through.
Oyibo assured that the board will continue to ensure those working on major areas of focus in HELDi, are properly equipped with the relevant skills to deliver their job.
During the training, facilitators outlined the various responsibilities of regulatory agencies, including the Ministry of Health, Women’s Affairs, law enforcement, social welfare, and the judiciary. However, during the evaluation session, participants noted a significant lack of effective implementation of these duties.
Participants’ expectations regarding issues of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), evidence handling, legal processes, awareness of SGBV response teams in the state, and necessary provisions for survivors were largely discussed.
The team was empowered with the knowledge and skills needed to support SGBV survivors and understand effective reporting methods as HELDi team will be setting out to the local communities for the project implementation.
Highlights of the two day training were group discussions, role play, story telling session among other activities.
