From Olanrewaju Lawal Birnin Kebbi
The Women ‘s Right Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA.) in collaboration with Ford Foundation has trained volunteers selected across various organizations on the prevention and response on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Kebbi State.
Volunteers,were drawn from religious organisations,NGOs,PLDs,Kebbi Civil Society Forum, women groups and societies.
While speaking at the training session,titled:’ step-,down training on volunteers group’s knowledge and skills strengthening VAWG prevention and response ‘, the Executive Director of WRAPA in Kebbi State,Comrade Nasir Idris, explained that the volunteers would be the backbones of their efforts.
According to him, “your passion, energy,and tireless work on the field have already contributed significantly to the progress we have made. However,as we all know,the fight against violence is ongoing and requires continues learning, adaptation and a deep understanding of the complex issues at hand.
“This training is designer to equip 10 volunteers with necessary tools, knowledge and strategies to enhance your effectiveness on the field. We sim to deepen your understanding of the dynamics of gender-based violence,the challenges faced by survivors,and the critical role you play in both prevention and response. We will also focus on building your capacity to engage with communities, raise awareness, and provide the support that is so desperately needed.
Idris,who emphasized on the important of collaboration, insisted that the challenges at hands, could not be solved by a single person.
He said,: “it is through our collective efforts -through partnerships,sharing of best practices,and mutual support, that we will be able to create safer Communities for women and girls”.
Idris urged the participants and trainees to engage fully in the training,ask questions,share their experiences and learn from one another.
Project Manager of WRAPA, Hajia Hassan Ibrahim in her presentation, explained that the organisation was established in 1999 by Justice Fatia Lami Abubakar to protect the women’s rights across all the 36 states of Nigeria..
According to her, “WRAPA targets woman and girls of all ages, particularly those facing gender-, based violence, discrimination and legal injustices. WRAPA also extends it’s support to marginalized Communities , including indigent households and persons with disabilities, striving for inclusive empowerment and justice “.