The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to providing essential support for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
This assurance was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, during the opening of a 5-day training program organized by the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) in collaboration with the ministry. The training was specifically designed for staff of the Ogun State Assault Referral Centers (SARC) and Gender Officers within the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The training was part of the global campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). It aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to manage the centers efficiently and provide vital support to GBV survivors.
Mrs. Adewole emphasized the Ogun State Government’s dedication to safeguarding survivors and ensuring that GBV cases are handled with professionalism and compassion. “The training is in line with the global call to action for addressing GBV,” she stated. She further highlighted the importance of the campaign, which began on November 25, 2024, with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and will continue until December 10, 2024, marking Human Rights Day. She urged participants to make the most of the training to improve their skills in managing SARCs.
OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odusi, who was represented by the Project Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist of OGSTEP, Dr. Abiodun Adeeko, commended the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for their commitment to fostering a safer society. She also acknowledged the rehabilitation of four Sexual Assault Referral Centers located in Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and Ilaro, through the support of the World Bank-assisted OGSTEP project.
In her remarks, OGSTEP Gender Specialist, Mrs. Ewajesu Fasina, described the training as a crucial initiative in enhancing the operational capacity of SARCs, ensuring survivors receive professional and trauma-informed care.
One of the facilitators, Damilola Onebamhoin, outlined key areas covered in the training, including trauma-informed care, legal frameworks, case management, data privacy procedures, medical examination and forensic evidence collection, and referral protocols.
Two of the participants, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Orelaja and Mr. Idowu Daramola, expressed confidence that the training would help them improve their service delivery and contribute to creating a safer environment for survivors of GBV in Ogun State.
