Gender Advocates Recommend Increased Financing For Preventing Gbv

Gender Advocates Recommend Increased Financing For Preventing GBV Stakeholders in the area of Gender-Based Violence, including gender advocates and a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO), Hacey Health Initiative, have brainstormed on the urgent need to mobilise and increase financial resources to effectively prevent and respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly in Oyo State.

The advocates made the call during a Gender Advocate Hangout, themed: "Increasing Financing for Preventing and Responding to Gender-Based Violence (GBV)."

The event, hosted by Hacey Health Initiative provided a platform for gender advocates to come together, discuss gender-related issues, and share strategies and recommendations to amplify their efforts in addressing GBV.

In her opening remarks, the Programme Manager, Hacey Health Initiative, Oluwatomi Olunuga, said the NGO is committed to building on the momentum generated by the event, while also increasing support to gender advocates in their quest for increased financing for preventing and responding to GBV.

Olunuga disclosed that through targeted advocacy, capacity building, and resource mobilisation initiatives, the organisation aims to create sustainable change and a society free from GBV, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to secure adequate funding for comprehensive interventions, as a recognition of the impact of GBV on individuals and communities.

She said: "The Gender Advocate Hangout served as a catalyst for further collaboration among gender advocates in Ibadan, fostering a sense of unity and collective action. The event will not only provide a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices, but also facilitate networking opportunities and the formation of partnerships to strengthen the impact of individual advocacy efforts."

The gathering brought together over 30 gender advocates who participated in discussions centered around increasing financing for GBV response and prevention, while attendees engaged in productive conversations, exploring innovative strategies to mobilise resources, improve service delivery, and advocate policy changes that prioritise the eradication of GBV.

Key areas of focus during the discussions included the importance of sustainable funding mechanisms, partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organisations, and engaging the private sector to invest in GBV prevention and response initiatives.

Participants also shared success stories and lessons learned from their own experiences in securing funding and implementing impactful programmmes, and had the opportunity to participate in the Hacey parallel session at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW 68) which featured speakers who shared expertise and insights on the theme.

The keynote speaker and Executive Director, Equality Institute, Dr Emma Fulu, shed light on the importance of addressing gender-based violence and the role of financing in achieving meaningful change, sharing knowledge and experience with valuable perspectives on effective strategies and interventions.

A panel session, where speakers offered diverse perspectives and expertise, was moderated by the Executive Director, HACEY Health Initiative, Rhoda Robinson, who guided the discussion and ensured a fruitful exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Similarly, Legal Compliance Registry General, Government of Bermuda, Reaia Ball, shared insights into legal frameworks and policies aimed at preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

Also, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivor-Adeniyi, spoke on practical approaches and initiatives implemented at the local level.

The Executive Director, Project Enable Africa, Olusola Owonikoko, also harped on the intersection of gender-based violence and disability, highlighting the need for inclusive interventions and support services.