On November 27, 2024, the Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi) participated in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign by hosting an awareness session in Eleme Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State. The event, titled “Raising Awareness on SGBV and the Importance of Response Teams,” gathered around 100 participants, including representatives from all clans and communities in Eleme. Stakeholders ranged from adolescents, youths, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to faith-based organizations, traditional leaders, and community chiefs.
The session highlighted the alarming prevalence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and explored strategies for prevention and response. Participants discussed harmful traditional practices and social norms, such as forced marriages, widowhood rites, and gender-based inequalities, which perpetuate violence. Specific concerns included the concealment of abuse within families, stigmatization of survivors, and sexual abuse targeting minors, stepchildren, and house helps.
Chief Israel, a respected community leader, emphasized the transformative power of education, particularly for girls, in challenging harmful traditions and fostering societal change. Dr. Patience and other participants called for abolishing dehumanizing cultural practices and fostering collaboration to create a culture of equality, respect, and safety.
HELDi highlighted the critical need for SGBV response teams in Eleme LGA, educating participants on their role in supporting survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and creating safer communities. Dr. Mfon Utin, HELDi’s Coordinator, introduced the globally recognized “I Need Help” hand signal, a discreet tool for seeking assistance in dangerous situations. Participants practiced the signal and pledged to promote its use.
The facilitators, Mrs Loretta Ahuokpeme and Dr. Amaka Elem employed interactive methods, including group activities and practical referral strategies, to equip participants with tools to support survivors effectively. They stressed the importance of timely medical interventions and encouraged the use of referral systems to connect survivors to appropriate services.
Participants shared personal experiences of SGBV, seeking advice on handling issues such as sexual abuse, stigmatization, and inadequate support systems. Facilitators underscored the importance of reporting cases, protecting survivors’ confidentiality, and challenging societal stigmas.
The session was supported in local languages to ensure inclusivity, particularly for elderly participants. Attendees expressed gratitude for the impactful discussions and committed to driving change by disseminating knowledge within their communities. Dr. Utin urged participants to organize smaller group discussions to “step down” the knowledge to grassroots levels and reaffirmed HELDi’s commitment to advocating for safe environments and systemic changes to eliminate SGBV.
The event concluded with renewed hope, resilience, and a pledge for collaboration. HELDi’s participation in the 16 Days of Activism in Eleme LGA marks a significant milestone in fostering safer, more inclusive communities and strengthening local capacities to address SGBV.
