BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto-
A Non Governental Organization (NGO), Project Alert has commenced training of 15 persons as first batch of Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors’ shelter managers in Sokoto state.
Giving reasons for the excercise, the Trainer and Shelter Administrator of Project Alert, Nsini Udonta, said the effort was aimed at improving the capacity of shelter managers on processes required to best handle GBV survivors in the community.
Mrs. Udonta, who noted that the survivor shelter is part of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative strategy geared towards elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, added that the managers would serve as temporary guide for survivors pending when solutions are found to their predicaments.
While noting that beneficiaries of the training are drawn mostly from Sokoto’ State Ministry for Women and Children Affairs, she added that they would serve as protectors and custodians of survivors as interim measure to mitigate their conditions.
She also decried that an ongoing research on GBV conducted by Project Alert, found that there were less than 20 women shelters in the country, adding that there is the need for more trained personnels to serve as a respite for those whose lives are threatened.
“Gender Based Violence was a major issue during the COVID-19-induced lockdown because most partners found it hard to manage pressure”.
“We have less than 20 shelters in the country and according to the research carried out by Project Alert, these shelters are managed and run by private organisations and religious bodies”.
“Where then do threatened women run to with their lives when they are in danger and girls who experienced. Where do girls who experience serial rape incidence run to for help?
“This is therefore, a clarion call to the government at all levels, private individuals and organisations to see the need for setting up shelters as a major priority,”
She, however, confirmed that the initiative which was in partnership with Sokoto State Ministry for Women and Children Affairs and relevant government agencies, would also provide temporary accommodation and psychosocial support as well as empowerment for survivors
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