In its efforts to address the prevalence of rape and sexual violence among young girls and women in rural communities, Women at Risk Foundation (WARIF) in partnership with Ford Foundation has trained community stakeholders across local government areas in Lagos State
The program tagged ‘Gatekeepers Project’ had 700 Traditional Birth Attendants, (TBAs) Law enforcement officers and religious leaders engaged on tackling gender based violence in rural communities.
According to the Founder, WARIF, Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, the Gatekeepers Project was launched to train community gatekeepers who serve as first responders to cases of rape and sexual violence in their various environs. The strategy to reach a larger group of people by these trained stakeholders is encouraged with cascading the knowledge in their circle of influence.
The project’s impact was further enhanced with the addition of Religious Leaders as Tertiary Gatekeepers in the program; recognizing the importance of their role in the community and the increased awareness and prevention of cases of GBV that is achieved through their engagement.
Commenting on the initiative, Program Officer Ford Foundation, Ms. Olufunke Baruwa said’ “TBAs and religious leaders are critical partners in this fight to end gender-based violence. As gatekeepers of religion and culture, they are the closest to the people and most times the first point of call in our communities. Hence, they need to understand the context of GBV, what constitutes GBV and be aware of existing policies and laws to engage and effectively refer to law enforcement officers for response and action”.
Speaking at the close out event, WARIF’s Founder, Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru said “Following the successful cycle of the WARIF Gatekeeper’s Project sponsored by Ford Foundation, community leaders such as Traditional Birth Attendants, Law Enforcement Officers and Religious Leaders have now been successfully sensitised and trained as first responders in cases of gender-based violence.
WARIF through its various initiatives in health, education and community service, remains committed to ensuring that all women and girls can live in a society free from rape and sexual violence.
