COVID-19 SENSITIZATION PROGRAM

ISSUE: We stand against the spread of COVID-19. The Working fingers international initiative and her networks organized intensive sensitization workshops to declare their point that prevention of the dreaded COVID-19 is the answer. Citizens are admonished to obey the CDC directives and maintain social distancing at all times. To emphasize the importance of hand washing, team members of WOFII in partnership with the association against child and gender violence were at different locations to sensitize groups and children before the sit at Home command in the Month of March, 2020. Below is the press statement by the Executive Director, Working Fingers International initiative today on the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PRESS RELEASE BY Association against Child sexual and Gender based violence (AACSGBV)

The association against Child sexual and Gender based violence (AACSGBV) a coalition of Non-governmental, faith-based, youth and women led Professional organisations stand against all forms of child, sexual and gender based violence and are working to promote gender mainstreaming/equity in Nigeria. The association supports the Government’s efforts in reducing the spread of COVID-19 through the lockdown and quarantine measures.

As the novel Corona virus sweeps the World, making hundred thousands of people to fall sick from the disease and killing over millions globally and the World will never be the same  again after the COVID-19 crisis discrimination against women, the schocks from the pandemic, violence against women and girls could set them back by decade. 

Women bear the brunt of every global crisis.

During this lockdown period there is an increase in stress, alcohol consumption and financial difficulties has triggered violence in the Home, increase in rape and unwanted pregnancies. the quarantine measures being imposed has brought about this.

We are concerned that the social distancing and self isolation could be used as a tool for cohersive and controlling behavior by perpetrators and will shut down routes to safety and support.

This is unacceptable and we call on Government to adopt Gender sensitive approach to the pandemic and promotes women’s participation in decision making.

Violence against women and girls can and should be prevented. We should all aspire for a just World with equality between women and men and boys and girls and one where all women and girls live free of fear and violence. Meanwhile gender based violence victims should not keep silent. Reach out for help when rights are violated.

Signed: Amb. Eris Jewo Ibi

ED, WOFII/ National Coordinator, Association against child sexual and gender based violence (AACSGBV)