Pulse.ng : NGO opens office to empower GBV survivors in kasuwan magani

By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

An NGO, Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI), under its "Together We Can" project, funded by United Nations (UN) Trust Fund, has empowered survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with an office in Kasuwan Magani, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna state.

Commissioning the office on Wednesday, Mrs Juliana Joseph, the Programme Manager for the Together We Can project, said it would serve as a hub for the women's cooperative services.

The News Agency gency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the "Together We Can" project funded by the UN Trust Fund, supports Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), women and girls in Kasuwan Magani, Kajuru LGA and Kujama, Chikun LGA of Kaduna state respectively.

Joseph explained that the project aimed to empower the survivors of GBV and promote economic independence.

She said the women were identified to had experienced trauma due to GBV and conflict, where their state of mind were examined and found to be needing psychiatric aid.

"The women underwent psychiatric treatment at the neuropsychiatric hospital and received counseling. Some were referred to Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital and the Salama Sexual Assault Referral Center.

"Others received psychosocial support at Gomna Awan General Hospital,"she said.

Speaking further, Joseph said after the women were rehabilitated, the project thought it wise to support them, where the UN Trust Fund provided a 10.3 million naira take-off grant for them to start commercial services to earn income for themselves.

She added that the microfinance bank that disbursed the funds to them would monitor their progress and provide support.

Joseph said the women received training on bookkeeping and business sustainability using a microfinance bank.

She, therefore, said the women would utilise the office for meetings, and a location for people to seek their services.

She urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously and make the most of the project, stressing that the project's success would be measured through regular monitoring and progress evaluations.

One of the Head of the Cooperatives, Mrs Helen Clement, said the office is a symbol of hope and resilience for them, and a reminder that they can overcome adversity and build a better future.

She stated their commitment to utilise the opportunity in providing essential services to their community, creating a positive impact and promoting economic growth.

"With the support of the UN Trust Fund and our partners, we are confident that our cooperative will thrive, empower survivors of GBV to become financially independent and self-sufficient,"Clement said.