To underscore its zero tolerance for Gender-Based Violence (GBB) in Kwara State, the state government, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has organised a 5-day capacity-building workshop for staff of the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The workshop, held at the World Health Organisation Office in Ilorin, was aimed at training staff on survivor-centred and safe responses, enhancing understanding of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) dynamics, strengthening coordination and referral pathways and improving quality of service delivery, especially in the handling of GBV and other related social protection matters.
Addressing participants at the closing session of the training, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs) Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, noted that the importance of capacity building for social workers cannot be overemphasised, affirming that the issue of GBV can only be properly addressed by trained and competent personnel who can manage cases with sensitivity and in line with global best practices.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Personnel, Finance and Supply, Alhaji Rasheed Baba Ubandawaki, reiterated that responses for GBV has now shifted to Survivor Centered Approach built on the four major principles of GBV responses which are Safety, Respect, Non-discrimination and Confidentiality, adding that they are essential tools in case management, referral pathways, providing psychological first aid documentation and reporting based on ethical standards.
Chief Afolashade commended UNFPA for prioritising capacity building for staff as this aligns with the practice of the AbdulRazaq-led administration, which ensures self-care, stress management and supervision practices that help staff sustain their work without compromising their mental health, explaining that GBV cases usually take a mental toll on staff if they are not properly cared for.
The Commissioner also acknowledged Royal Heritage Health Foundation for providing the necessary technical support, expertise, guidance and dedication throughout the implementation of the training programme.
The Programme Technical Assessment, Olayinka Adedayo, reinforced the commitment of stakeholders towards strengthening the GBV prevention and response system in the state while improving support services for survivors.
The Deputy Director, Child Development Directorate, Hajia Rakiat Bello, who also participated in the training, commended the effort of the facilitators and noted the need for continuous training for social workers, as this will ensure professionalism and help them align with globally accepted practices and ethics of social work.
