From TCNEWS
Participants for the three (3) days Abia State GBV Response Team training/workshop have been enjoined to be responsive and take responsibility in the fight against Gender Based Violence so as to reduce its prevalence in the society.
Speaking while flagging off the workshop which has the agenda, “Implementation of survivor-centered approach to ending sexual and gender based violence in Abia state: Training of Response Team”, held at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Umuahia, Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, noted that GBV issues happening in the State were yet to be unraveled, hence the importance of the training.
Mrs Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Ngozi Felix, disclosed that the Ministry would provide the necessary facilities needed by the Committee to fight the menace to a still.
“Take responsibility, speak up in any environment you find yourself. Do not fill up spaces, be on top of your game and be responsive”, the wife of the State Governor’s representative further tasked the participants.
Pix: A cross section of the participants.
While noting that the training would be continual until GBV is reduced to its barest minimum and totally eradicated, She appreciated the support from African Women’s Development Fund and the Executive Director of Vision Spring Initiatives, an organization whose vision was to have a society where gender equality and social justice becomes part of everyday life, for collaborating with the Ministry.
The training featured presentations from the participants drawn from the civil society organizations, security Agencies, the Media, human rights, healthcare providers and legal practitioners.
The workshop also took an overview of the laws addressing Sexual and Gender-based Violence, SGBV; Approach to SGBV response ) Survivor centered and multi-sectoral), Caring for survivors of SGBV (Observation and active listening); Providing psychological first aid; understanding case management and documentation of SGBV cases; Referral pathway for effective response to SGBV; a deep dive session – understanding the existing structure/response to SGBV; and understanding SGBV and gender roles in Abia State.