By Helen Okechukwu JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE RISING issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Rivers State has led to proactive measures by a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
In an effort to curb the growing violence, Kebetkache, an activist group in the Niger Delta, has initiated a new wave of volunteers to support the cause.
On Wednesday, 20 volunteers were trained by Kebetkache in collaboration with Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA).
These volunteers will work on raising awareness and reporting GBV cases to relevant authorities.
The ceremony took place at Kebetkache’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Kebetkache is an eco-feminist movement advocating for women’s rights, inclusion, and safety in the Niger Delta.
The newly inaugurated volunteers are tasked with addressing GBV challenges by spreading awareness and encouraging survivors to seek help.
WRAPA, which has worked for over 25 years to protect women and girls from violence and discrimination, played a key role in the training.
The organisation also extends its services to people living with disabilities.
Dr. Confidence Otikor, the project manager of Kebetkache and a resource person for WRAPA, guided the volunteers through identifying and addressing GBV cases.
She emphasized the need for volunteers to promote gender equality, provide support to survivors, and push for policy change.
Dr. Otikor stressed the importance of safety, both for the volunteers and the survivors.
Volunteers were encouraged to advocate for policies that support women’s rights while maintaining their own safety when dealing with abusers.
Also, Tombari Dumka-Kote, the coordinator of the Rivers State Response Team on Violence Against Women and Children, cautioned the volunteers on the difficulties they may face in their work.
He advised them to be careful when interacting with abusers, ensuring they remain safe from harm.
Additionally, Dr. Happiness from the Get a Life Initiative discussed the importance of mentoring younger children, particularly girls, to help prevent future instances of GBV.
Several participants shared their experiences from the training.
Nwosu Precious, a student at the University of Port Harcourt, highlighted the importance of reporting GBV cases and how to navigate the appropriate channels for seeking justice.
He recognized the special challenges women face and is committed to applying what he learned to help victims in his community.
Another participant, Vivian Mmadubuko, a graduate from the same university, described the program as eye-opening.
She expressed newfound awareness of the prevalence of GBV and the resources available to help victims.
Vivian emphasized the need for community engagement to tackle these issues effectively.
The training initiative marks a significant step forward in combating gender-based violence in Rivers State, with a new generation of volunteers ready to make a difference.
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