Protection of women and vulnerable persons: NGO bemoans failure to set up structures in LGAs Rivers

Despite it being a requirement of the law, there are no structures any of the 23 local council areas of Rivers State to serve as bulwark on violence against women and vulnerable persons.

This is as reports show that more acts of violence were being perpetrated in the rural areas.

Reports of women being raped in the farms and even killed highlighted the urgency for intervention, a report has stated.

A non-governmental organization, Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi), said in a statement Port Harcourt that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act was enacted in 2015 and domesticated in Rivers State in 2020, but the key requirement, the setting up structures in LGAs has not been carried out.

The Coordinator of HELDI, Mfon Utin, who disclosed this, referenced the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) lamented the absence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) response teams in any of the 23 local government areas (LGAs), saying these teams currently exist only at the state level.

She made the disclosure when HELDI groups held multi-stakeholder engagement in Eleme on SGBV response and community action

Organized by HELDi, the event was facilitated by Utin, Christiana Dibie, and Paulinus Igbo, with media support from Desire Lordson of Treasure 98.5 FM.

Utin who welcomed participants reaffirmed HELDi’s commitment to fostering safe environments and promoting healthy living, especially for women, girls, and persons with disabilities. She highlighted the rising prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) globally and within Eleme, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to combat the issue.

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Utin explained that Eleme, Onelga, and Etche were selected for the project due to a significant increase in reported SGBV cases. She outlined the key roles of ministries such as Health, Social Welfare, and Rehabilitation, Women Affairs, Justice, and law enforcement agencies in addressing SGBV.

She emphasized that the proposed SGBV response teams would provide care and support to survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, collect data for informed decision-making, and prevent and address SGBV through awareness, reporting, and legal enforcement.

Utin urged participants to take ownership of the initiative by spreading awareness and mobilizing their communities for action.

During the interactive session, participants shared experiences and concerns. Israel Gomba-Abbey, President General of O-E’la Obor Eleme Organization (Worldwide), pledged the community’s full support and collaboration.

Mercy Marcus Kenwi, an adolescent representative, emphasized the importance of parental guidance in shaping positive values.

Glady Osaro shared her experience assisting a rape survivor, stressing the need for confidentiality and empathy when supporting survivors.

Celina Pius Nyimertue, a health sector representative, highlighted the psychological toll of SGBV, including stigmatization and depression. She compared it to the experiences of people living with the human immune virus (HIV), emphasizing that support and acceptance rather than blame and discrimination help survivors heal.

Patience Osaroejiji, a civil society representative from Eleme LGA, stressed the urgent need for decisive action, noting that women, girls, and children were the most affected by SGBV.

The event brought together a diverse group, including traditional rulers and community leaders, chiefs, religious representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Muslim leaders, and a traditional believer, as well as youth and women leaders, adolescents, persons with disabilities, town crier, health professionals, a representative of the National Council of Women’s Societies, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NCDSC).

Following the engagement, the HELDi team and some community representatives visited royal palaces and elders to deepen awareness.

The engagement amplified the voices of community members, revealing the urgent need for intervention and collaboration.

Utin said HELDi remained committed to providing training, resources, and advocacy to ensure the successful establishment of SGBV response teams. “These efforts will contribute significantly to reducing SGBV and promoting safer, healthier communities for all.”