GBV Requires Multiple Approaches to Cease (AONN)
By Prosper Okoye
The Association of Orphan and Vulnerable Children (AONN) has advocated for the adoption of a multifaceted approach to combat gender-based violence (SGBV) both within Nigeria and on a global scale.
Speaking during a one-day GBV sensitization in Apo-Dutse, Abuja, marking the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls, Kiema Ogunlana, the AONN FCT coordinator, stated that this has become necessary due to the increasing complexity of GBV in recent times.
More women are coming forward to report abuses by their wives and partners. Additionally, there is a rising trend of children being reported as perpetrators of violent acts against their peers.
“We intervened in a recent case where a girl slashed her best friend with a razor over claims of emotional abuse,” she said.
Mrs. Ogunlana said AONN, as an organisation that focuses on children’s welfare, thought it wise to sensitise them irrespective of the sexual difference.
“Children within the age range of 10–17 years old were selected in line with the year’s 16-day activism theme: ‘Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.’
“When we say ‘unite,’ we mean the total involvement of everyone to achieve a violence-free society.
“Including the males in such sensitization is important because the boys will grow up to become men and husbands to the girls. If they are ignorant of the forms of violence, they will continue perpetrating violent actions against the female folks,” she said.
Mrs. Ogunlana mentioned that the children were also taught how to deal with an abuser. “Every child is a product of learning from his or her society, and we have emphasised the need to speak out given the recent rise in mental health cases. The children were able to internalise the lessons learned and call out for the end of violence,” she added.
The District Head of Apo Dutse, Ishaku Sagbede, highlighted the wisdom of engaging children in such sensitization while welcoming members of AONN to his palace.
“Indeed, the increase in violence among children is a reflection of the entire society, but with such sensitization, Nigeria will become like London,” he asserted.
The Daisy Oak Programme’s Manager, Chibueze Okechukwu, admonished the children of the consequences of SGBV, using rhymes to press the message home.
The programme manager of the Catholic Action Committee on HIV/AIDS (CACA) noted that most children suffer from abuse but do not know that they are being abused.
“When children come to understand the term ‘abuse,’ that is the only time they can speak out,” she said.
Chito Obiora-Anaekwe further said that the organisation has caseworkers who follow up on cases of abuse in the community. She added that victims are beginning to speak out as a result of such activism over the years.
Segun Samuel, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Primary Health Board, said girls and women are mostly affected by gender-based violence as a result of early or forced marriage.
“Women are denied access to medical services as a result of cultural practices. These have ripple effects. The most commonly experienced issues are vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), obstructed labour, and maternal risks.”
The event also included a session on personal hygiene carried out by Sam Empowerment Foundation Communication Officer, Chiamaka Nwankwo.
Additionally, free services such as HIV/AIDS testing services, hepatitis testing, malaria testing, drug dispensaries, and counselling services were offered to the children.
GBV Requires Multiple Approaches to Cease (AONN)