By Emeka Nwokocha
A foremost non-governmental organisation leading the campaign against sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria, the Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative (VREI), has announced the launch of its Strategic High Impact Multi-Stakeholder Intervention to end sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) associated with cultural and community spaces across Delta State and Nigeria.
The launch of the Multi-Stakeholder Intervention, which kicked off on Thursday, 21 May, comes in response to the Ozoro Festival Assault that drew wide condemnation across the country. The intervention is led by the Executive Director of VREI, Pst. Edewor Egedegbe as a direct response to the reported cases of rape and sexual assault during the recent Ozoro Festival.
Pst. Egedegbe, while speaking to journalists in Warri, Thursday, 21 May, said, “This initiative is anchored on VREI’s project titled: “Sustaining Coordinated Multi-Stakeholder Response To End Sexual Violence in Delta State, Nigeria,” supported by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD). Pst. Egedegbe further stated that the intervention reflects VREI’s commitment to building value-driven citizens and institutions while addressing the urgent need for safer cultural spaces, adding that it aims to address not only the recent incidents in Ozoro but also the systemic gaps in prevention, protection, accountability and survivor support that continue to expose women and girls to violence during public events.
He said, As a key implementing partner of the Male Feminist Network (MFN) in the South-South Region, VREI is leveraging a coordinated and inclusive approach that brings together community stakeholders, government institutions, civil society actors and male allies to drive sustainable change in our communities and Delta State at large.”
Stressing further on the initiative, Pst. Edewor Egedegbe said: “This intervention is both urgent and strategic. The Ozoro Festival incidents have revealed deep-rooted structural and cultural challenges that must be addressed collectively. “Our focus is not only on response, but on prevention, protection, accountability and long-term transformation of societal norms. “We are committed to ensuring that women and girls are safe in all communities and cultural spaces.”
He further noted, “The intervention adopts a multi-stakeholder and survivor-centred approach, focusing on strengthening community-based and institutional mechanisms to prevent sexual violence; promoting enforcement of existing legal frameworks such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP); and challenging harmful social norms that perpetuate abuse.”
Pst. Egedegbe added, “Key activities under the project include targeted engagements with community pressure groups such as women, youth, traditional councils and students; strategic meetings with Community Safeguarding Committees; high-level advocacy visits to duty bearers; and continuous monitoring, evaluation and learning to ensure effective implementation and impact.
“The initiative will also prioritise community sensitisation, social norm transformation and male engagement through the Male Feminist Network (MFN), promoting positive masculinity and encouraging men and boys to become active agents of change in preventing SGBV.” He further said, “By fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, ministries, traditional institutions and civil society organisations, the project aims to improve access to survivor-centred services, increase reporting and prosecution of cases, and strengthen accountability systems across Delta State.
“The Ozoro intervention marks the beginning of a sustained effort to institutionalise prevention and response mechanisms, empower local actors, and ensure long-term community ownership of SGBV prevention strategies. “VREI reaffirms its commitment to creating a society where cultural celebrations no longer pose risks, but instead reflect dignity, safety and respect for all.”
Further information and Media inquiries about the Launch of the Strategic High Impact Multi-Stakeholder Intervention, including partnerships are accessible through the following telephone numbers: +234 806 947 5030. Email: vrei2014@gmail.com Website: www.vreicenter.org