CAPRIGHTS-VP, alongside the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), and other dedicated NGOs, embarked on a 3-Day Training for Advocates on Sexual Violence
On October 29th, 2024, CAPRIGHTS-VP, alongside the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), and other dedicated NGOs, embarked on Day 1 of a 3-Day Training for Advocates on Sexual Violence. This program is empowering local advocates as case managers and mandatory reporters to enhance protection for women and girls across Lagos State.
The program began with a foundational introduction and overview of WRAHP, delivered by Program Manager Mr. Francis Umoh, outlining the goals and purpose of the training. This was followed by an insightful session on the Overview of Sexual Violence, led by Executive Director Bose Ironsi, who anchored participants with essential knowledge and awareness.
The day then shifted to hands-on learning, with engaging sessions on case study management, case scenario analysis, and reflective discussions on real-life cases. These practical exercises provided invaluable insights, preparing advocates to address real-world challenges with empathy, skill, and resilience.
On the second day of the 3-Day training organized by WRAHP Nigeria with support from AWDF, advocates from various women’s rights organizations, including CAPRIGHTS-VP, continued to enhance their skills as case managers and mandatory reporters in addressing sexual violence.
The day commenced with a session led by Yetunde Odekunle, Head of the Legal Unit at the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA). She provided an in-depth overview of the legal protections available for survivors, emphasizing the crucial role advocates play in navigating and utilizing the justice system to support those affected.
Following this, Dr. Mojisola Akinsanya facilitated an interactive workshop on community engagement and resilience, providing strategies to involve stakeholders in prevention efforts and create safe environments for survivors. She emphasized the importance of mobilizing local resources, forming partnerships, and establishing safe spaces for dialogue. Through real-life experiences, advocates explored methods for strengthening support systems and building trust with survivors, reinforcing that active community involvement is vital for fostering lasting change in the fight against sexual violence.
On the third and final day of the 3-Day training organized by WRAHP Nigeria with support from AWDF, advocates from women’s rights organizations, including CAPRIGHTS-VP, gathered with renewed purpose to sharpen their skills in combating sexual violence. This concluding day was a powerful call to action, a reminder that advocacy must go beyond raising awareness to actively influencing policy.
Segun Babalola, Manager of the Ireti Resource Center, led an insightful session on building strategic connections with policymakers through advocacy visits and familiarization meetings. He emphasized that true protection for the vulnerable is achieved when advocates have a seat at the table where decisions are made.
Supporting survivors was a central focus of the day. Segun shared essential guidance on safety planning, crisis intervention, and empowerment strategies to help survivors navigate their safety. He emphasized practical measures—such as varying daily routines, changing transportation routes, and altering personal appearance—that can help survivors stay protected. Segun also highlighted the ethical duties of advocates, stressing the need for confidentiality and precise documentation, which not only preserves survivor dignity but also reinforces trust and accountability in advocacy work.
The final session, led by Francis Umoh, Program Manager of WRAHP, delivered powerful insights on implementing effective advocacy projects. Francis outlined clear strategies for planning, stakeholder engagement, and setting measurable goals to drive real, lasting impact.
As the training came to a close, participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to WRAHP for their steadfast support and guidance, committing to a strong and productive partnership. With each session, they built stronger, safer communities for women and girls, reaffirming their dedication to reducing sexual violence. Together, CAPRIGHTS-VP, WRAHP, AWDF, and other organizations are empowering advocates to lead the charge in fostering resilience and systemic change.
Stay tuned for more impactful initiatives!
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