Human Rights Activists Collaborates Media Practitioners to Stem Gender Violence Tide

Gender Based Violence (GBV) has been identified as major constraints hampering future development and advancement of the youths, even as a non governmental organisation, Women Friendly Initiative (WFI) urges all societal stakeholders to intensify efforts that will arrest this societal menace for peaceful coexistence of humanity in a given society.

In an address at a dialogue with Media Practitioners on GBV and Substance Abuse Prevention and Response in Abuja, Chief Executive Officer of WFI, Dr Francis Eremuta said drug abuse and other forms of GBV has consistently debased the societal values and nons which has not just been a source of concern but posed an alarming scenario that must be tackled headlong.

Calling on media practitioners to partner in the fight against GBV, the human right activist said Journalists should be at the vanguard of creating awareness of the negative effects of GBV, changing the narrative on women rights and genderly informed child.

Represented by the Programme Manager of WFI, Dr Veronica Chizoba Gabriel, the CEO said the initiative was part of Gender Based Violence prevention and response of the organisation funded by the European Union – Agents for Citizens-driven Transformation (ACT) Programme.

She said the event created an opportunity for School Counsellors, Health workers and CSOs to share experiences, challenges, innovations and successes recorded on curbing the menace of GBV and drug abuse.
Besides, she encouraged the participants to take advantage of the GBV and Drug Abuse Response directory developed on the project to enhance collaboration and effective referral linkages.

The Project Manager for WFI, Mrs Rosemary Adejoh-Adaji called on the media to galvanise policy makers and stakeholders support to tackle GBV and drug scourge in the country. She said that over 160 stakeholders comprising School Counsellors, School Clinic Operatives, Health Club Coordinators, student leaders, health workers, and civil society organizations have earlier received GBV and drug abuse prevention and response training.

Speaking also, at the event, the GBV, Adolescent and Youth Desk Officer for Kuje Area Council, Mrs. Eunice Madaki applauded WFI for the great initiative and charged them to also intensify efforts at targeting parents in the campaigns in order to achieve all-inclusive sensitization.