GADA Trains Stakeholders On Strategies To Combat GBV In Cross River LGAs
Stakeholders and rights advocates have received empowering training on effective strategies to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Cross River State.
The one-day training, held on Friday, March 15, 2024, targeted Community and Crisis Management Teams (CCMT) at the grassroots level, with the overarching theme of "Building Safer Communities." Representatives from five communities spanning four Local Government Areas of Akpabuyo, Calabar South, Calabar Municipal, and Bakassi, actively participated in the training sessions.
The training underscores GADA's commitment to empowering stakeholders and fostering collaborative efforts in the fight against GBV in Cross River State, the South-South region, as well as addressing the daily violations experienced by women, particularly young girls who experience daily violations ranging from stereotype, neglect and denial of opportunities.
Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, a member of GADA's Board, emphasized the importance of fostering equal and balanced relationships between genders. She stated, "Gender advocacy seeks to address imbalances, striving for equity where one gender is disadvantaged. While our focus often lies on empowering women, we also extend our efforts to support disadvantaged men, boys, and vulnerable children."
Orokanwan Otu, a representative from Henshaw Town community, expressed optimism regarding the transformative impact of implementing the acquired knowledge within her community. She highlighted the pivotal role of community engagement in identifying and addressing GBV issues effectively.
“As a team, we will spread out in the community. From there, community members will be able to meet us and share with us what their problems are, and to a great extent, we will be able to solve them.”
Another participant, Mr. Orok Sunday from Efut Obufa Esuk community in Calabar South Local Government emphasized the urgency of combating GBV, citing its devastating consequences. He affirmed the commitment of community representatives to disseminate knowledge and advocate for non-violent behaviors within their respective communities.
"As representatives of our community, we are going back to educate our community for them to stay away from violent activities,” he assured.
A captivating drama presentation on Social Behavior Change in Communication (SBCC) served as a poignant highlight of the training. Through creative storytelling, participants gained insights into the composition, structure, and operational methods conducive to fostering positive behavioral changes within communities.
By equipping community leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge, GADA strives to create safer and more inclusive communities where every individual can thrive free from violence and discrimination.