There is no way we can talk about safety and security without engaging our men. Their voices must be heard if we want to eliminate violence in public and private spaces. We need them to amplify the voices of women, of Government and non-governmental organizations working to end GBV.

It is on this premise, that the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, under the chairmanship of Her Excellency, Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel, on the 25th of April 2023, inaugurated the Gender-Based Violence Male Advocate Group and launched the State Gender-Based Violence Unified Response Protocol and Referral Pathway, and a Training Manual for schools on GBV.

In her remarks, the chairperson of the committee emphasized the need to have men, who are tested and trusted to carry the messages against gender-based violence to the nooks and crannies of the state and who will serve as strong role models and mentors to other men and young boys.

The State Unified Referral Pathway, which will apart from facilitating and providing information to responders and actors on how to respond to gender-based violence cases, where to seek assistance, and what services are available at different referral points, will also safely link victims/survivors of gender-based violence to services such as health, psychosocial support, case management, safety/security, justice, and legal aid. It will promote the use of a survivor-centered approach to ensure victims/survivors of gender-based violence are active participants in defining their needs and deciding what options best meet their needs.

With the recent increase in sexual assault among school children, the Committee came up with the idea to draft a Training Manual on Gender Based Violence for schools. This manual contains basic information and suggestions on how to lead training and workshops on gender-based violence and thus will help teachers and other caregivers improve their knowledge and skills on GBV and deepen their understanding and engagement on the responsive programming to fight, prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

Also, the State Gender-Based Violence Prevention Strategy Plan was launched. The goal of this plan is to eliminate gender-based violence in a holistic, systematic, complementary, and comprehensive manner through a multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional approach and to provide appropriate care and services to survivors of gender-based violence.

To our men:

Dear men, we need as many men as can join this noble cause. We need you. Your wives need you. Your daughters need you. Your sisters need you. Your mothers need you and yes, your brothers, fathers, and sons also need you. It is only with you that we can kick this menace out of our State and Country at large.

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