Sexual and gender-based violence overlooked in Rivers rural areas, says NGO

Campaigners against sexual and gender-based violence storms Etche in Rivers State

A survey has revealed that sexual and gender-based violence is grossly overlooked in parts of rural Rivers State.

A non-governmental organization (NGO), Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi), led by Mfon Utin, the coordinator, also said the incidence is underreported in communities like Etche.

Utin explained the urgent need to establish response teams to sex abuse and gender violence at the LGA level, as outlined in the Rivers State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

According to her, HELDi’s focus on three selected LGAs including Etche, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA), and Eleme across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State is designed to address pressing SGBV issues, promote safe environments, ensure justice for survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.

At a December 2024 review, a multistakeholder engagement meeting was held at Umuakuru Town Hall, Igbo Etche, in Etche Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State. Utin was assisted by Christiana Dibie and Favour Uweh.

Utin began the meeting by welcoming participants and expressing gratitude for their attendance. She highlighted the growing challenges of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), which are often overlooked.

The meeting brought together diverse stakeholders from various clans in Etche, including adolescents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), Christian and Muslim religious leaders, representatives of traditional belief systems, regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Health, the National Council for Women Societies (NCWs), and community leaders.

It looked unfortunate that representatives from law enforcement agencies and local security outfits were unable to attend due to a crisis in the Umuakuru community earlier that day. Despite this, the engagement proceeded with robust representation and active participation.

During the discussions, participants expressed concerns about the lack of awareness regarding SGBV within their communities. Many acknowledged that limited knowledge had exacerbated its prevalence. Utin reassured participants that HELDi would conduct community awareness campaigns and provide training for the 25-member response team.

These efforts seek to equip both the response team and the community with the knowledge and skills needed to support survivors, report incidents, ensure perpetrator accountability, and effectively combat SGBV.

A specific concern raised by a reverend, Cyril Nwanele, was the selection process for response team members. Utin clarified that stakeholders were responsible for disseminating information within their respective clans and facilitating a community-led selection process. She emphasized that attending the ‘Multistakeholder Engagement Meeting; did not automatically qualify anyone for the response team. Instead, he stated, the team would consist of individuals found to be passionate and dedicated to addressing SGBV in their communities.

The inclusion of herdsmen in the initiative was also emphasized due to recurring conflicts within their communities. Utin highlighted the importance of engaging herdsmen in the response teams to foster inclusivity and address issues stemming from cultural and societal tensions.

She said: “This proactive approach ensures comprehensive coverage and effective conflict resolution in combating SGBV across all community segments.”

Sustainability of the initiative was another key issue discussed. A member, Faith Amadi, commended HELDi for selecting Etche as one of the focus LGAs and highlighted the various forms of violence prevalent in the community.

Utin reassured participants that the project was strategically designed to ensure longevity. She explained that the response teams would be integrated into a network of key civil society organizations (CSOs), the state response team, and regulators at both the LGA and state levels, including the Ministry of Health, the judiciary, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Social Welfare, and law enforcement agencies. She emphasized that the response teams would be government-owned as stipulated by the domesticated Rivers State VAPP Law, with HELDi continuing to provide support through resources and knowledge.

On her own, Eunice recognized that SGBV is a widespread issue across all communities in Etche, disproportionately affecting women and girls. The participants expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and pledged their support. They committed to spreading awareness within their communities and mobilizing selected individuals from each clan to undergo training as members of the response team.

In her closing remarks, Utin underscored the importance of collective action in combating SGBV, describing it as a violation of human rights and a global concern. “While SGBV is a worldwide issue, its prevalence in Africa and Nigeria is particularly alarming due to the lack of well implementation of existing laws.”

She reaffirmed HELDi’s commitment to empowering communities and providing the necessary resources to sustain the initiative.

Participants appeared motivated and determined to work toward reducing SGBV in their communities. According to the coordinator, the commitment and collaboration demonstrated during the engagement underscored the potential for sustainable progress in tackling SGBV in Etche LGA.