CAGEAD marks International Day Against Conflict Sexual Violence with call to protect children, support survivors

The Centre for Advocacy in Gender Equality and Action for Development (CAGEAD) has called for stronger community action to protect women and children from conflict related sexual violence, urging families, traditional leaders and institutions to work together to break the silence surrounding gender based violence.

The call was made during a one day awareness event held at the in to commemorate the . The activity formed part of CAGEAD's project on strengthening community resilience and organisational capacity for sustainable development, under the theme, "conflict related sexual violence against children: safeguarding futures and empowering caregivers."

The event brought together about 30 participants, including gender based violence survivors, women, men, adolescents and key stakeholders such as the Senior Divisional Officer, the Mayor of Fundong, the Divisional Delegate of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Director of the Women Empowerment Centre and social welfare officials.

Speaking at the opening, CAGEAD officials representing the CEO highlighted the the work of the organisation since 2024 under a project supported by the African Women's Development Fund, outlining achievements in strengthening community resilience and improving responses to gender based violence in conflict affected communities.

Participants were reminded that years of armed conflict in the North West Region have increased the exposure of women, girls, boys and other vulnerable groups to sexual violence, exploitation, forced marriage and other forms of abuse, while insecurity and stigma continue to limit survivors' access to medical, legal and psychosocial support.

The Mayor of Fundong through his representative welcomed the initiative, describing public education as essential in reducing the prevalence of gender based violence.

"I am very glad to receive CAGEAD again. We recognise the change they have brought into our community. Sexual violence in conflict is an important issue and should be used as a medium to sensitise the public. Many people ignore or neglect acts of sexual violence around them. Everyone here should take this information back to the community and educate others on the dangers of gender based violence," the mayor said, noting that his Council has social services supporting survivors.

The Divisional Delegate of the Ministry of Social Affairs assured participants that survivor confidentiality remains a priority and encouraged victims to seek assistance without fear.

"Our doors are always open to render the help you need," he said explaining the referral process, which begins with ensuring survivors receive immediate medical care before legal procedures are initiated. He stressed that survivor safety remains the foremost concern.

The Director of the Women Empowerment Centre praised CAGEAD for its sustained partnership in improving the lives of women, girls and families in Boyo Division.

"It has been a breath of fresh air working with CAGEAD over the years. Together we will break the silence surrounding gender based violence by continuously sensitising the public and raising awareness on sexual violence in conflict," she said, encouraging more young people to join awareness campaigns within their communities.

An interactive training session introduced participants to different forms of gender based violence, including physical, psychological and emotional abuse, rape, intimate partner violence and early or forced marriage. Survivors and community members openly shared experiences, exposing the social and cultural barriers that often prevent victims from seeking justice.

One participant narrated how a rape case in his community was abandoned after the victim's family reportedly accepted financial compensation from the alleged perpetrator. Others raised concerns over cases involving young girls who later report sexual abuse after being deceived by promises of financial or material support.

Facilitators used the discussions to emphasise the importance of trust between parents and children, noting that healthy family relationships encourage children to report abuse early. A local pastor testified that previous CAGEAD community dialogue sessions had positively transformed communication within his own family after both he and his daughter participated in the programme.

Participants also explored practical strategies for preventing gender based violence, including community awareness campaigns, engaging men and boys as allies, promoting and gender equality, strengthening community protection committees, expanding and introducing school based education on healthy relationships and violence prevention.

Information was also shared on available referral pathways for survivors within Boyo Division to improve access to protection and support services.

At the close of the event, food hampers were distributed to 20 survivors of gender based violence and conflict affected households as part of efforts to support vulnerable families.

According to CAGEAD CEO, , the programme reached 30 participants with information on preventing and responding to gender based violence, while strengthening commitments from local authorities and stakeholders to improve protection services for women, girls and other vulnerable groups.

Participants recommended expanding future awareness campaigns to include more parents and traditional leaders, increasing direct support to survivors and introducing income generating activities to strengthen survivors' livelihoods.

By Asheri Loveline for Hilltopvoices Web

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