By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF), a non-governmental organisation, has built the capacity of no fewer than 35 members of various communities in Abuja, Nasarawa and Niger State to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the capacity building is part of the Flashlight Actions on Girls’ Safety (FLAGS), a GBV prevention and response project.
The Executive Director, TCF, Mrs Tayo Erinle, on Thursday said that the foundation works basically to support survivors.
Erinle, who was represented by the Programme Manager, Mrs Nendirmwa Ohah, explained that the programme which is in the last phase, started in 2021.
According to her, the capacity building is to ensure sustainability of the programme at the community level.
“We were able to select members of the Community Action Committee (CAC) from various communities. We were able to build their capacity during the sensitisation and implementation of the programme.
“The capacity we are building today is a kind of refresher course to remind them of their roles as members of CAC, in addressing and checking GBV in their communities.
“We got massive support from them because they were able to follow up incidences of GBV in their communities. They have created impact in addressing the issue of GBV in the communities..
“Their capacity and knowledge have been built and it is something important. Without knowledge, you will not be able to support anyone. So the knowledge and capacity is a lasting solution to GBV prevention.
“We expect the members of CAC to serve as watchdogs in the communities that we are working in, so that every incidence of GBV is reported to us or other service providers.
“This is because we have linked them up to NAPTIP, Police and Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), where they can get free legal services and justice and other relevant agencies,” Erinle said.
Erinle said that the CAC members could now support victims and survivors of GBV, adding that the foundation will continue to assist them and campaign against the menace.
Meanwhile, one of the CAC members from Mpape Community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs Aisha Saidu, appreciated the foundation for the initiative.
“I am happy because I have gained more knowledge through this programme, especially today’s capacity building; I was able to learn a lot of things that hitherto, I did not know.
“In my community, we have the issue of early marriage. I will like the government to please come to our rescue. Also, organisations should sensitise religious leaders in our community to enable them speak against GBV,” Saidu said.
Another member of CAC from Nyanya Community in FCT, Mr Danladi Iya, said the programme had helped a lot of youths in his community not to engage in GBV and other social vices.
“From what I have learnt today, I will go back to my community and inculcate it on members of my community so that the impact, with support of TCF, will reverberate throughout the entire community.”
NAN reports that during the capacity building, the CAC members were treated to topics like, ‘Roles of CAC Members in Fight Against GBV’, ‘Understanding GBV and How it Affects Girls and Women’.
Other topics are: ‘Ways to Provide Support and Resources for Survivors of GBV and GBV Referral Pathways and Dissemination of TCF toll-free line among others. (NAN)