Stakeholders and survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Gombe State have identified poor public awareness, ignorance of existing laws, and a culture of silence as key factors responsible for the persistence of the menace, despite the domestication of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law, 2022. The revelation was made during a two-day capacity-strengthening training for women leaders organised by the Foundation for Community Empowerment Initiative (FOCEI) in partnership with the Women Aid Collective (WACOL) in Gombe.

Participants lamented that many residents are unaware of the provisions of the VAPP Law, which guarantees protection and justice for survivors of GBV, while fear, stigma, and cultural pressures continue to discourage victims and their families from reporting cases.

Speaking at the training, FOCEI Team Lead, Mr. Benjamin Maina, said the initiative was necessitated by the rising cases of GBV in the state, noting that many women leaders and traditional institutions remain unclear about their roles in addressing the problem.

According to him, the programme was designed to promote gender equality, strengthen women’s participation in decision-making, and equip participants with skills to challenge harmful cultural and traditional practices that perpetuate violence against women and girls.

The training featured sessions facilitated by experienced resource persons on GBV awareness, mobilisation of women and civil society organisations for advocacy, referral pathways, gender inclusiveness, networking, and organisational strengthening for effective monitoring of gender-focused interventions.

Some participants who spoke with NEWSPOINTER expressed appreciation to FOCEI and WACOL for the training, saying it had empowered them with knowledge to educate their communities, encourage survivors to speak out, and ensure that GBV cases are properly reported and followed up until justice is served.