The socio-political crisis that began in the 2 English Speaking Regions of the country (North West and South West) in October 2016 has been marked by incidents of armed confrontation between non state armed groups and government defense forces. Since then, humanitarian needs in these two regions remain acute with more and more people in need of emergency assistance. IDP women, girls and children more are at risks of sexual violence, sexual slavery, trafficking, forced marriage and an increased prostitution for survival and security. Findings of various assessments indicate that most humanitarian needs have a direct impact on women and girls’ protection GBV needs.
Nonetheless, for the year 2023, COMINSUD joint the rest of the world to celebrate the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from 25th November to 10th December, under the 2023 Global theme: “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls”. This year (2023) alone, field reports from 10 out of 34 councils in the Northwest indicate that more than 533 women, girls, men and boys have been victims of reported cases of GBV with 25 cases of rape. 32 others have suffered from sexual violence, 46 were physically abused while 4 were forced into marriage. Accompanying the crisis, there has equally been a spike in domestic violence reporting, at exactly the time that resources and services (the rule of law) are being diverted to address other crisis prone areas around the world. COMINSUD therefore took interest in curbing SGBV and ran a campaign in 57 localities/neighbourhoods in 5 Division (Mezam, Momo, Menchum, Boyo and Ngoketunjia) in the North West Region.
Goal: The goal of this year’s campaign was to mobilize and strengthen local participation in 16 councils within the 7 Divisions of the Northwest Region to invest and prevent violence against women and girls while promoting a just and peaceful society.
Objectives:
- At least 50,000 persons are reached through mass sensitization events with information on GBV prevention and response and how they can invest to curb the phenomenon.
- A total of 4 radio stations are engaged to carry media sensitization on the need for mobilization of human and economic resources; efforts towards the prevention and response to SGBV.
- At least 50 front-line community actors are mobilized and strengthened to carryout campaigns on SGBV prevention and responce within communities.
Results:
By the close of activities on the 10th December 2023, the Number of community focal-persons engaged were 45
- Targeted population : 50, 000
- Reached: 55,854
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Community Initiative for Sustainable Development 