It was a great learning and experience sharing meeting as implementing CSOS from different 3 states across the country were allowed to showcase their experience and lessons learned during the implementation of the women led integrated protection Action Against gender Based Violence ( WIPE-GBV) projects in their states. We were able to look at the overall achievements from each state and the strategies they explored to get such results.
Adamawa, through First Step Action for children Initiative were able to reach a total number of 130 survivors through;
Community engagement at the entry level with key stakeholders like NHRC, FIDA, MOWA CSO and the Police that has provided enabling environment for the project to strive.
The project has increased more awareness in the state. Citizens are more informed and are taking actions to report cases of GBV within their communities. This was done through Radio jingles, weekly Radio phone in programs, town hall and sensitization meetings. Messages on prevention and reporting cases were put on bill boards at strategic junctions in the state with referal pathway. Distribution of posters & fliers with the help lines were key activities conducted. In Abuja, we (Two First Step staff) were in company of National Human Rights Commission, FIDA, Ministry of Women Affairs all from Adamawa state and two selected survivors among the 135 we had worked with.
Dignity kits were also distributed that has improved hygiene practices and also supported reproductive rights of women and girls in conflict situation. Food items were given to caregivers and survivors to compliment food security at household level. They were also trained on Skills Acquisition that has equipped them and made them self reliant and also has changed their mind set from dependence to becoming more productive and useful to the society.
During the learning and dissemination meeting we had the Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria, who took out time to visit First Step stand to get more information on the reports she had received so far.