The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), in collaboration with the 3 CBOs implementating in Borno state, IHVN and other partners, has intensified efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promote Gender and Human Rights (GHR) through a sensitisation outreach at the Borno State College of Health Technology, Maiduguri.
The one-day awareness programme was organised under the NEPWHAN/GF/IHVN N-THRIP Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) Project to educate students and staff on GBV prevention, human rights, available support services, and referral pathways for survivors.
Speaking at the event, the NEPWHAN State Programme Coordinator Maina Shettima emphasised the need to create a safe and inclusive environment free from violence, discrimination and abuse.
The coordinator urged participants to become advocates for positive behavioural change within their communities.
The outreach recorded 163 participants, comprising 43 males and 120 females, exceeding the organisers’ target of 150 participants.
Resource persons from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Zaynab Haruna Bwala, the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Community Rights Advocates (CRAs), and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) educated participants on the legal framework for addressing gender-based violence, survivors’ rights, reporting mechanisms, confidentiality, and access to medical, psychosocial and legal support services.
The event also featured an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants sought clarification on issues relating to gender equality, human rights, reporting procedures and survivor support services.
The programme ended with a call on students to uphold human rights, reject all forms of violence and discrimination, and share the knowledge gained to promote a safer and more inclusive learning environment across Borno State.
