By Abdulkareem Haruna

A consortium of non-governmental organizations based in Maiduguri, led by Sirri Care, facilitated a training workshop on gender-based violence (GBV) for secondary school students in Borno state, aligning with the 16 days of activism against all forms of gender-based violence.

In collaboration with the Learning through Skills Acquisition Initiative (LETSAI) and Pro-Wellness Humanitarian Initiative (PROWI), the consortium held a one-day awareness session at Yerwa Girls Secondary School in Maiduguri. The workshop aimed to broaden students’ understanding of GBV and elucidate the laws in place to protect survivors.

Sirri Care’s Executive Director, Sussan Tanwie, stated that the workshop’s focus was GBV, a prevalent social crime affecting women and girls. The 2023 16 days of activism theme, ‘Investing to prevent violence against women and girls’, stresses the need for all stakeholders to contribute to various prevention strategies, aiming to halt sex or gender-related violence at its onset.

Participants at the GBV sensitisation event at Yerwa Girls Secondary School

LETSAI’s representative, Chidinma Ihekoronye, introduced students to the basics and different types of GBV, including physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, socio-economic, and domestic violence, as well as harassment and sexual harassment. The session encouraged student participation, with those asking or answering questions receiving small gifts like sanitary pads and notebooks.

PROWI’s Executive Director, Firdausi Omemma, used the interactive session to answer students’ questions and urged them to report any instances of abuse.

Tanwie and Omemma assured students that the Borno state Violence Against Persons and Protection (VAPP) Law, which stipulates up to 17 years imprisonment for offenders, is now in effect.

The students expressed appreciation for the knowledge they gained, particularly in understanding GBV and the importance of speaking out against it. The workshop concluded with the distribution of study materials and sanitary items to the school for deserving students.

The school’s Vice Principal and Head of Guidance and Counseling Unit commended Sirri Care and its partner NGOs for their commitment to addressing a critical issue that inhibits many girls from reaching their full potential.

Symbolic presentation of gifts to the school management.

Established in 2015 and registered in 2018, LETSAI is a nonprofit that prioritizes women, youth, children, and disabled individuals. It uses a Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) approach to tackle sustainable livelihood, gender-based violence, mental health, and women’s empowerment.

PROWI, registered in Nigeria and based in Maiduguri, seeks to positively transform communities through health, well-being, and social justice initiatives. Founded in 2016, PROWI provides comprehensive support to individuals, especially women and children affected by crises or natural disasters. Its services span health, nutrition, protection, education, livelihood development, WASH, and peace-building.

Sirri Care Foundation, established in 2019 and incorporated in 2020, aims to empower and protect vulnerable communities through advocacy, education, healthcare, and research. Their objectives include promoting human rights, peace building, livelihood strengthening, gender equality, and the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals. The organization’s core values are accountability, innovation, transparency, professionalism, and culture and gender sensitivity.