The CARE Nigeria has said it empowered over 125,000 people with necessary requirements to tackle Gender Based Violence (GBV) and other related issues in parts of the country.
The Interim Country Director of CARE Nigeria, Jennifer Orgle disclosed this in Abuja at the project closeout and dissemination workshop of the Strengthening Protection Services and Resilience in Northeast Nigeria (STEPSERN) project.
Orgle said the project piloted innovative models that have strengthened protection systems, challenged deeply rooted social norms that perpetuate gender-based violence, and empowered women to take on leadership roles in their communities.
She noted: “The project was carried out in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in collaboration with other stakeholders including community gatekeepers, government and civil society actors among others.
“Since August 2023, CARE Nigeria, through the generous support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has implemented the STEPSERN project across the BAY states.
“In partnership with EYN and NEEM Foundation, the project has reached over 125,480 people and managed and closed 1,190 GBV cases.
“Together, we piloted innovative models that have strengthened protection systems, challenged deeply rooted social norms that perpetuate gender-based violence, and empowered women to take on leadership roles in their communities.
“Our collective efforts have improved access to dignified health, protection, and livelihood services, and fostered community ownership for sustainability.
“Over the past 19 months, we have witnessed a quiet revolution; women and girls breaking stereotypes, stepping into leadership roles, and becoming powerful voices for change,” Orgle said.
On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended the organisation for collaborating with the government to reduce gender based violence and empowering women and girls.
The minister, represented by the Director of Gender Affairs of the Ministry, Mallam Adamu Samaila, said the project has strengthened women’s voice and protection delivery in various communities.
She urged CARE Nigeria to ensure the sustainability of the achievements and lessons learnt from the project.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said: “The STEPSERN project in Nigeria has been a very key and strategic programme in strengthening women’s voice and protection delivery at the communities in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, which I believe will equally go a long way in supporting our initiatives on ending all forms of conflict-associated violence against women and girls.
“I believe it would provide the platform for integrating our women into mediation and restoration of peace in the states. I equally believe the project has greatly harnessed women’s important roles and responsibilities in constructing an enduring peace and security, as well as in achieving a great feat in the implementation of the UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security in the country.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that her ministry was currently developing and reviewing most of its operational frameworks to fast-track and better achieve its mandate in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
She said the review would close gender gaps, address children’s rights, enhance women’s access to opportunities, and increase women’s representation in leadership across the country.
She urged support towards the success of the entire process and other programme interventions aimed at mainstreaming gender perspectives in all spheres of national development.
Also speaking, the FCDO’s Humanitarian Team Lead, Elizabeth McGarva, expressed appreciation for the joint efforts of all stakeholders that led to the success of the project.
She added: “But I think particularly women and girls who have worked as part of the project and benefited from the project, they’re absolutely at the heart of all of our work. For the UK, for me here today representing the UK and Nigeria, this project is absolutely at the centre.
“It’s at the centre of the UK’s commitment to championing gender equality, ending GBV, and supporting women’s leadership in crisis settings.
“I think what the STEPSERN Project has done is to demonstrated the power of coordinating together, integrating, and really championing locally-led approaches to strengthening protection and the health services in the northeast of Nigeria.
“One of the things we wanted to mention about specific successes of the project, so over 1,190 GBV cases were successfully managed and closed. This far exceeded our original target. It’s not just a number, but it really is a testament to the lives protected and the dignity restored.
“Another thing to put a spotlight on, through the women-led in emergencies approach, over 600 women and adolescent girls emerged as community activists. So they’re now there in their communities leading this change.”