GBV: NGO Calls For Strengthening Of Justice System, Women -Led Advocacy In Delta

By Magnus Emuji

The Founder, Working Finger International Initiative, Amb. Dr. Eris Jewo-Ibi has called for collaborative efforts towards investing in Women-Led Advocacy and strengthen justice systems to ensure that Gender-Based Violence cases are reported and given accelerated prosecution.

Jewo-Ibi made the call in Warri during a training programme to commemorate the International Women’s Day Celebration.

She also stressed the need to expand community education to break the culture of silence among women and girls as well as engage men and boys so as to promote shared responsibility.

Jewo-Ibi, who is also the the chairperson of the Association Against Child Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, clarified that the event was designed to honour women who walk into silence and bring voice , standing between victims and justice, educate , empower and protect them.

While saying that the community mobilizers , grassroots leaders and survivors turned advocates face limited funding, cultural resistance, safety risks and emotional trauma in carrying out their assignments, Jewo-Ibi explained that rights are not privilege yet girls are still afraid of seeking access to education with women still struggling to be heard in several communities in Delta State.

Jewo-Ibi stated that justice was not all about laws but about access, trust and fairness to justice delivery, emphasizing that in Delta State, many cases go unreported and survivors fear stigma, even as the justice system are slow .

The Working Fingers International Initiative founder revealed that Delta State recorded 14,735 cases of sexual and gender-based violence complaints making the State one of the highest in Nigeria, adding that additional 11,346 women and gender rights violation were recorded between 2021 and 2023.

She said that 50 women in Delta communities had been trained as frontline GBV advocates , strengthening grassroots response, noting that Working Fingers International Initiative, Association Against Child Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Ministry of Women Affairs Community and Social Development had trained women and gender focused organizations, representatives on prevention and response to GBV strategies using Respect and legal framework by WHO and UN women .

The Delta State Director of Women Entrepreneurs, Amb. Philomena Badaiki, Dr. Amos Obi , the Focal Person of Complete Women Foundation, Mrs. Lisa Onyibe , Mrs. Jacinthe who spoke on the theme of the International Women’s Day: Rights , Justice and Action for all women and girls and the Delta State Coordinator, Forum of African Women Educationalists, Mrs. Odijie made separate presentations during the training programme.

Highlights of the celebration include a road walk , the official unveiling of the book titled”Breaking the Cycle: A Practical Handbook for Gender-Based Violence Prevention written by Amb. Dr. Eris Jewo-Ibi.

The book, according to the book presenter, Dcs Mrs Agnes Ofugara, a season Educationalist and long time Principal of Chude”s Girls College Sapele, provides a comprehensive and a step- step guide to the Community Based Organizations(CBOs) equipping them with practical tools and strategies to design and implement effective interventions that support survivors of GBV. 

Jewo-Ibi also said that the book emphasizes on a survivor centred approach, promoting dignity, safety and empowerment while strengthening community response systems

Also speaking at the unveiling of this very important practical handbook, the Chairman of the occasion, Engr Silva Omars Ofugara expressed appreciation to Jewo-Ibi for her impartation and mentorship intentions in passing on knowledge through this very important book.