GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT ACTION (GADA) LAUNCHES ONLINE SOUTH-SOUTH INFORMATION HUB
Consultative meeting held at Homeville Hotel, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria for CSOs from Delta and Edo States
The South-South region comprising 6 geographic entities- Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa State, Cross River State, Delta State, Edo State and Rivers State reports high levels of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Effective responses are hampered by challenges such as poor commitment and lack of resources, remoteness of rural communities, poor infrastructure and access to rural, mountainous and riverine communities and the chronic nature of instability and community conflicts. Organizations working on SGBV often work in isolation, unaware of the best practices that have generated from the region. This results in suboptimal decisions and interventions. Therefore, facilitating the exchange of experiences, perspectives, innovations, and ideas is necessary to enhancing success and addressing common challenges collectively.
Group picture from the consultative meeting held at Homeville Hotel, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria for CSOs from Delta and Edo States
Supported by the Ford Foundation, in 2023, GADA organized three consultative meetings in Port Harcourt for Bayelsa and Rivers States, Calabar for Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, and in Benin City for Delta and Edo States. The meetings drew participants from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and representatives from the Media, Federation of International Women Lawyers, Nigeria Police Force, Child Protection Networks, Community Leaders and People Living with Disabilities.
At each meeting, participants explored the following issues:
Ø The need to share information and to network on SGBV in the region.
Ø The weaknesses and gaps in information dissemination on SGBV and ways to promote exchange, networking, and learning.
Ø Key activities to implement through an online information hub.
Ø Ways to motivate and facilitate active participation from diverse organizations and backgrounds as well as individuals.
Ø Existing experience in using online platforms for information sharing and learning.
Ø How to monitor, curate and disseminated lessons from online hub activities.
Consultative meeting held at Gender And Development Action (GADA) Office Calabar, for CSOs from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States
Based on the feedback from the meetings, in 2024, GADA launched an online platform, South-South SGBV Prevention Information Hub, with membership from over 120 CSOs and individuals working on SGBV issues in the region. The hub provides a centralized platform for capacity and skills building, development of new ideas and innovation, information sharing, and exchange of lessons and success stories. It offers access to resources and best practices on SGBV and facilitates networking among policy makers, professionals, CSO leaders, community groups, researchers, activists, and SGBV survivors.
Consultative meeting held at Eastlake Hotels, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria with CSOs from Bayelsa and Rivers States represented.
The strategy for the Information Hub includes building partnerships and networks with organizations, government and community leaders. Capacity building and skills development opportunities are a key component of the hub. The hub will also facilitate dialogue, exchange, and consensus-building on key SGBV issues through regular virtual events and webinars. By highlighting and promoting best practices, innovations, and success stories, the hub aims to build solidarity, inspire and inform those working in the SGBV field.
Group picture from the consultative meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State
The South-South SGBV Info Hub represents a significant step forward in the fight against SGBV in the region. By providing a centralized platform for information sharing, learning, and collaboration, the hub seeks to enhance the ability of organizations and individuals to prevent and respond to SGBV effectively.