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By Ahmed Ali, Kafanchan
In a significant move to tackle Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Northern Nigeria, International Alert, with funding from the UK Government’s Integrated Security Fund, has initiated a transformative project.
The project, titled “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice, Accountability, and SGBV Prevention and Response,” spans nine communities across Kaduna and Zamfara states. This initiative kicked off with a comprehensive two-day training session in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, from July 15-16, 2024.
The training program aims to equip community first responders with the skills necessary to support SGBV survivors effectively. Fatima Inusa, Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Officer (GESI) at International Alert, welcomed participants and emphasized the project’s goals. “We are here to improve the knowledge and capabilities of our first responders, ensuring that survivors of SGBV receive the respectful and dignified care they deserve,” she said.
Inusa highlighted that the training, organized in collaboration with the Kaduna Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, targets security agents, local security personnel, social workers, health workers, lawyers, and safe space facilitators. “Our goal is to enhance the referral pathways, making sure survivors know the available services and that service providers have the right skills to aid in recovery,” she added.
The sessions covered crucial topics such as psychological first aid, survivor-centered approaches, data protection protocols, and self-care techniques for both survivors and first responders. Mrs. Esther Olumidara, who led the session on psychological first aid, underscored the importance of mental health. “Mental health is as important as physical health,” she noted, urging responders to maintain empathy and unconditional positive regard for survivors.
Participants from the communities of Zikpak, Goska, and Dangoma in Jema’a Local Government Area engaged in practical discussions and workshops. They explored key components of first-line support, intervention strategies, and the intricacies of the referral pathways within the state.
On the second day, the training delved into mindfulness techniques, relaxation methods, and the management of safe spaces. Fatima Inusa and Esther Olumidara led sessions on the guiding principles of a survivor-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of protecting survivors without causing further harm.
Peter Auwa, representing the Director of Social Welfare from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, praised the training initiative. “This program is crucial in equipping our responders with the necessary tools to fight against SGBV. We are grateful to International Alert for this partnership,” he said.
Earlier in their goodwill messages, representatives of the Kafanchan Divisional Police Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) called for stronger collaboration with community leaders to address the increasing cases of SGBV effectively.
The participants expressed their readiness to apply their new skills in their communities, marking a significant step towards improving SGBV prevention and response in Kaduna state. The initiative showcases the power of collaboration and the importance of comprehensive training in fostering safer, more supportive communities.
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