Foundation empowers 2,100 youth in Lagos, Benue, Ebonyi to combat GBV
By Justina Auta
Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF) has successfully engaged 2,100 girls and boys aged 15 to 25 from Lagos, Ebonyi, and Benue states in activities focused on preventing, responding to, and referring cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The announcement was made by Mrs Tayo Erinle, the Executive Director of the foundation, during the close-out event of the initial phase of the one-year Scale ENGAGE-Her Project held in Abuja on Monday.
Erinle highlighted that the project, operating under the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) Nigeria initiative and funded by USAID, was implemented in collaboration with Palladium and TCF.
She emphasised that the initiative aimed to educate and empower the beneficiaries on SGBV prevention, response, and referral strategies.
“We have worked with 2,100 beneficiaries, not only girls but also boys in Benue, Ebonyi, and Lagos states, educating them on how to prevent, respond, and refer GBV cases to appropriate authorities,” Erinle stated.
She expressed satisfaction with the programme’s achievements, noting that participants in the safe spaces gained confidence to speak out against GBV, actively engaged in educating others, and contributed to reporting GBV cases.
“In addition to building awareness, the girls and boys in this program have had their financial capacity enhanced,” Erinle added.
The project established 75 safe spaces for girls and boys, benefiting 15 communities and 15 schools across the states.
Erinle recommended the establishment of more safe spaces for survivors, emphasising the need for ongoing sensitisation and engagement with stakeholders to effectively combat SGBV.
Lydia Odeh, Chief of Party at Palladium, commented on their one-year support in providing services to survivors of GBV.
She highlighted the dissemination of results, learning, and challenges to mobilise support for future phases of the project.
Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, commended TCF for its impactful efforts in ending GBV and other harmful practices against women and girls.
She lauded the project’s exemplary leadership for creating opportunities and engagements that foster a more inclusive and equitable environment.
Awojodun Boluwatife, a beneficiary from Lagos, expressed gratitude for the valuable knowledge gained about GBV and pledged to share it with others. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
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