MOTHER OF HOPE INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE IN COLLABORATION WITH THE RIVERS STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH.

PRESENTS: ONE DAY SENSITIZATION ON SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AMONGST STUDENTS IN RIVERS STATE

@COMMUNITY SECONDARY SCHOOL (SENIOR), OKPORO ROAD, RIVERS STATE.
26TH NOVEMBER, 2021 8:00AM.
The team arrived the school premise and kick-start the sensitization exercise. Over 500 students were sensitized on Gender-Based Violence, making the 16 Days Activism. Among the Facilitators, students were divided into groups, because of the large numbers to enable the students participate fully.

Dr. Mrs. Egelege, Mrs. Mary and other SGBVTWG Members and MOHII Team engaging a Survivor

Dr. Mrs. Egelege Aziemeola Pius, Fellow of West African Institute of Public Health Professionals and Fellow of Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (One of the Key-note Speaker); She asked the big question, why are we here today? Her response was; We are here today to anchor on the theme: “End Sexual Gender-Based Violence among Youths”. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence which is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and it runs through 10th December which is Human Rights Day. Statistically, one in four girls will experience sexual violence before she turns 18.

Grouping of Students to aid Sensitization.

WHAT THEN IS GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE:
The United Nations’ definition of GBV is, “any act of gender-based violence that result in, or is likely result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women…whether occurring in public or private life.”
Gender-based violence is somewhat more inclusive term than violence against women. GBV could include violence against men, provided the violence stems from a man’s gender identity or presentation.

Students of Community Secondary School Okporo Road listening to

FORMS OF VIOLENCE:

Sexual Violence:

Physical Violence:

Psychological Violence (also called Emotional or Mental Violence):

Economic Violence:

Some of the Facilitators from MOHII and RMOH

HOW DO WE END GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE?

Recognize the role of gender in violence

Educate yourself on the root causes of violence

Interrupt Sexist and Discriminatory language

Be critical and question

Get the message out

Report photos and messages that exploit women and girls

Interrupt abuse

Stop Sexual harassment

Develop an action plan

Stop victim blaming

It’s not your fault

Stop Rape culture

Call Gender-based violence, what it is- violence, not “bullying”.

Create safe spaces to discuss gender-based violence

Confront and reflect on your ideas and beliefs

Stop stereotyping men’s and women’s roles

Remember that violence is a choice, and it is preventable

Be supportive and believe

Be aware of available resources for girls and women

Be a Mentor

Understand and practice consent!

Smith Nwokocha engaging some students on African Youth Charter Article that protects young people against SGBV.

HELP AFTER RAPE:
The Rivers State Ministry of Health in conjunction with FIDA, Doctors Without Borders and other NGOs like Mothers of International Initiative (MOHII), Voice of The Vulnerables are out to support victims of Rape in Rivers State. Rape victims who receive POSITIVE support from family and friends are more likely to recover faster. Victims of Rape are given free and CONFIDENTIAL medical care and counselling to victims of Rape and sexual violence. If you or someone you know has been raped.

WHERE TO SEEK HELP:
Rivers State Government has put in place some Health facilities to reach and get help. Do not forget that, Rape requires medical emergency, when it occurred, report immediately. The following are the facilities:
Orogbum Health Centre in Ogbunabali near Garrison Bus-stop
Eliozu Health Centre
General Hospital-Ncha-Eleme
General Hospital-Bori
General Hospital-Degema
General Hospital-Ahoada
General Hospital-Isiokpo
Oyigbo Primary Health Centre
Ayama Primary Health Centre Abua

In conclusion, Gender-based violence affects people everywhere. Women and girls are especially vulnerable to violence as cultural norms and attitudes toward gender equality disadvantage women around the world. Gender-based violence is especially prevalent when women and girls are migrating.
During the interactive session, Dr. Egelege advocate for the introduction of an SGBV CLUB in the school, as a safe haven for students to discuss sexual violence related matters and she emphasized that the most important is to “Speak out”.

MOHII IN COLLABORATION WITH THE RIVERS STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

Mrs. Mary Obisike (SGBV-TWG HEAD-RIVERS STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH): She taught the students the gesture sign of SGBV. She ensures that the fliers (Rivers State Government on Management of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Rivers State) through her team are distributed equally to participating students. This initiative is fully supported by His Excellency, Barrister Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike CON, GSSRS; POS (Africa), Executive Governor, Rivers State, Including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Rivers State (Prof. Princewill Chike).
Response Hotlines: 09025764565, 070404101523, 09033555455, 07058890060 and 08033429155

By: Smith Nwokocha