By David Maxwell
Persistent funding gap, dismissive attitude of authorities toward reported cases of SGBV and the weak enforcement of existing laws have been a major drawback in the fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence, SGBV.
This was the position of Barrister Gladys Emmanuel, the Chief Advocacy Officer of Tabitha empowerment Centre, TEC, when she spoke with our reporter recently about the challenges TEC and many other Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOS, grapple with in their quest to tackle SGBV.
Emmanuel decried the funding gap, which she says limits the scope and sustainability of the interventions of TEC.
“Despite our impact, TEC continues to grapple with significant challenges. Chief among them is the persistent funding gap, which limits the scope and sustainability of our interventions. Survivors returning to abusive environments remains a heart-wrenching setback, often exacerbated by inadequate support structures that compromise their safety and reintegration.
“Furthermore, weak enforcement of existing laws and the often dismissive attitude of authorities toward reported cases of SGBV hinder access to justice.
“Deeply rooted cultural norms, the fear of stigma, and a pervasive culture of silence further stall support-seeking behavior among survivors. Alarmingly, in several cases involving minors, families have relocated survivors, stalling investigations and complicating efforts to ensure accountability.”
She however said their efforts have led to an undeniable evidence of a shift in societal attitudes
Asked if TEC’s message has been permeating the minds of the oppressors, she said: “While it is difficult to measure the internal impact of our messaging on perpetrators, owing to the complex nature of identifying and tracking them, there is undeniable evidence of a shift in societal attitudes.
“Through our advocacy efforts, communities are increasingly acknowledging the gravity of SGBV. Traditional and religious gatekeepers are not only engaging in dialogue but also nominating community members to be trained as champions against SGBV.
“Parents and community leaders are beginning to understand that these issues are not “private matters” to be hidden in homes or settled in silence.”
She further revealed a rise in “reportage by proxy,” where individuals report cases on behalf of others; an indication that collective responsibility is taking root.
TEC has been at the forefront of increasing awareness campaigns against SGBV, making significant strides in combating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV, and promoting community-led social change.
To date, the Centre has trained 70 Anti-Gender-Based Violence Community Champions across the Federal Capital Territory, empowering them to serve as first responders and educators within their communities.
