Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) was honored to receive a delegation from the African Women Development Fund (AWDF) at its Abuja office. The visit provided an opportunity for shared learning, reflection, and dialogue on the progress and impact of the ongoing project titled “Inform Parents and Children Together on Gender-Based Violence (INPACT-ON SGBV)”, which CWSI is implementing in Cross River and Benue States with funding support from AWDF.
The INPACT-ON SGBV project is designed to reduce incidents of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among refugees and their host communities. Before CWSI’s intervention, there was a high prevalence of teenage and early pregnancies within these communities. However, through targeted sensitization programs on human rights protection, psychosocial counseling, by-law legislation and welfare support for survivors of SGBV, remarkable progress has been recorded. There has been a notable decline in cases of abuse, with both refugees and host communities now demonstrating stronger commitment to upholding the rights of women and girls.
CWSI’s advocacy efforts have also contributed to the rejection of discriminatory cultural norms and practices that deny women inheritance rights and limit their participation in community decision-making processes.
During the visit, the AWDF delegation engaged the CWSI project team in discussions on key project achievements, lessons learned, and challenges encountered in the field. The interaction was deeply insightful, with AWDF providing valuable recommendations to ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of the project.
CWSI expresses profound appreciation to AWDF for their continued partnership, technical guidance, and unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s rights in Nigeria. Together, we remain steadfast in amplifying the voices of women and girls, protecting their rights, and promoting inclusive and equitable communities.
