PROJECT SAGE-GBV OUTREACH AT UNIQUE SISTERS

Teenagers Care for Sustainable Development Initiative, in partnership with the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, successfully implemented an outreach under Project SAGE-GBV (Strengthening Advocacy for Girls and Women Empowerment Against Gender-Based Violence) at Unique Sisters as part of ongoing efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence within communities.

Program Overview

The sensitization session aimed to increase awareness and deepen understanding of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), its forms, causes, warning signs, and appropriate response mechanisms. The outreach created a safe learning environment where participants openly engaged in conversations about harmful social norms and relationship behaviours.

The session began with an interactive activity titled “Is This Okay?”, where participants analysed real-life scenarios and identified behaviors that constitute abuse. This exercise helped participants recognize that violence is not limited to physical harm but also includes emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse.

Understanding Gender-Based Violence

Participants learned that GBV is any act of violence or control directed at a person because of their gender, often driven by power imbalance, harmful cultural beliefs, and inequality.

Key discussions covered:

• Forms of GBV, including physical, sexual, emotional, and economic violence

• Harmful traditional practices and societal misconceptions

• Myths surrounding GBV and why survivors often remain silent

• Early warning signs of abuse and how to recognize them

Early Response and Support

The outreach emphasized compassionate and practical responses to survivors, encouraging participants to:

• Listen without judgment

• Reassure survivors that abuse is never their fault

• Refer survivors to appropriate support systems such as healthcare providers, law enforcement, and trusted organizations

• Promote emotional and spiritual support as part of healing

  Participants were also educated on personal safety strategies, self-care, and the importance of speaking up and seeking help.

  Key Message

  The outreach reinforced that:

  GBV is not only physical abuse, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

  Commitment Going Forward

  Teenagers Care for Sustainable Development Initiative remains committed to strengthening advocacy, empowering girls and women, and building communities where dignity, respect, and safety are upheld for all.