BY OMEIRE NATHANIEL KELLY

Gender and Disability Based Violence was the focal point of the program tagged ‘Amplifying Voices Delta Cohorts’ organized by Inclusive Friends Association; a Non-governmental Organization owned by Grace Jerry.

With Delta State having the highest incidences of gender and disability based violence, the Amplifying Voices program which had support funding from the Ford Foundation was necessary, timely and focused on strengthening the capacity of young advocates and leaders with disabilities to spotlight and innovatively address incidences of gender-based violence against women and girls with disabilities in Delta State.

The week-long training program which held in Warri also featured the establishment of a gender and disability based violence Taskforce in Delta State with membership drawn from the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, the Nigeria Police, NDLEA, Conflict Prevent Council, Ministry Of Health, Ministry Of Justice, Gender Justice Delta State, Nationality Security and Civil Defence Corps, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPED), National Orientation Agency, Social Welfare, NGOs, and National Association of Women Journalists, who are all critical stakeholders in the fight against gender and disability based violence.

The Taskforce is charged with ensuring a better coordination and synergy between all the agencies involved in the fight against gender and disability-based violence in the State and adopt evidence-based strategy and protocols to ensure that women and girls with disabilities who experience violence have responsive access to active Health Care, Justice and other Social Services.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Andrew Agboro, the Chairman of the State Inter-Agency Taskforce made a commitment to link up survivors to the appropriate organs for skills acquisition and socio-economic empowerment to break barrier of silence and also urged members of the public to report incidences of gender and disability based violence anonymously by using the helpline, 09032932291.

The training program which was interactive, featured gender and disability related topics such as Understanding Gender and Disability Based Violence, Power Policy and Influencing, Media Activism, Psychosocial Support, Advocacy amongst others which were tailored to equip the young advocates with the necessary information and knowledge to recognize and create awareness on gender and disability based violence in and around Delta State.

The advocates were also equipped and mandated to give feedback on gender and/or disability based violations and come up with proposals for curbing violations around their localities.

Speaking as one of the facilitators during the program, Barr. Orevaoghene Offeh-Ikime (Mrs), a Principal Legal Officer with the Delta State University, (DELSU) Abraka, pointed out key disabilities issues, to wit; that gender and disability based violence is not only when someone is physically assaulted but includes any harm that deprives or can deprive a person of equal access because of gender or disability.

She therefore highlighted the need to make all public buildings accessible to wheelchairs and all walking aids.

Barr. Orevaoghene Offeh-Ikime also applauded the fact that DELSU had taken a lead on gender issues by producing a gender policy that ensures the protection and equality of all to the delight of everyone in attendance during the program.

The organizers of the program also hinted at the possibility of a collaboration with DELSU to raise greater awareness for gender and disability-based rights to the entire University community if given the opportunity.

It is hoped that more of these types of programs will be organized to continue creating the much-needed awareness to the high rate of gender and disability-based violence and encourage the public to curb such violations.