By Aisha Audu
The Society for Women and Children Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (SOWCHAN), has held a two day training with stakeholders to develop strategies for empowering the vulnerable in Kogi State curb Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The initiative which is in collaboration with the Amandla Institute and supported by the Ford Foundation in partnership with Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs), brought together critical stakeholders with a view to strengthen women’s cause in Nigeria.
The workshop was held at the Charismatic Renewal Church hall in Lokoja.
The theme of the workshop centered on capacity building on sexual and gender based violence through multi stakeholders dialogue.
Related News
The workshop was equally designed to sensitize critical stakeholders on the dangers of gender based violence in order to create an inclusive society where HIV positive women and children are empowered to live a healthy and fulfilled life.
Speaking, one of the facilitators, Mr Mike, urged stakeholders to be more humane while dealing with persons with the HIV virus or commercial sex workers since they do not know the story behind the behavior.
He also stressed the need to ensure victims are be treated with love rather than judged for their actions.
Mike then used the forum to appreciate all the participants for their cooperation and their contributions towards the implementation of certain action plans to help put necessary policies in place for the vulnerable in Kogi State.
On her part, Mrs Lucy Attah who delivered the address of the national coordinator at the close of the workshop, appreciated all participants for their commitment towards building a safer and more inclusive society for survivors, just as she urged them not let the knowledge acquired go to waste but swing into active action as the survivors depend solely on civil societies and NGOs for support.
Present at the workshop were representatives of FIDA International Federation of Women Lawyers, Ministry of Women Affairs, The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations, among other non governmental organizations.
