New Hope for Survivors: Whisper to Humanity Foundation leads GBV response upgrade in Ebonyi

A new chapter in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) was opened in Ebonyi State in the weekend, with the launch of the 3rd edition of the GBV Referral Pathway Directory and the inauguration of the Safer Schools Hub.

 

The event, organized by Whisper to Humanity Foundation in collaboration with the Ebonyi State GBV Taskforce, brought together stakeholders to tackle GBV in the state.

 

The updated directory contains a comprehensive list of organizations, health facilities, traditional and security institutions, and their specific areas of intervention in GBV response.

 

Review and production of the edition was sponsored by Whisper to Humanity Foundation.

 

According to Barr. FaithVin Nwanchor, State Coordinator of the GBV Taskforce, the directory was revised to reflect current operational referral pathways, adding new organizations and removing redundant entries.

 

The two-day event featured training, certification, and inauguration of members of the Schools GBV Hub, established by the foundation in 16 pilot schools across the state. The Hub aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for students, with school guidance and counseling teachers, Whisper to Humanity coordinating teachers, health personnel, and volunteer community vigilantes working together to prevent GBV.

 

State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Illang, represented by the head, Private Engagement department of the Ministry, Mrs Helen Owo, urged members of the GBV Hub to work together to rid school environments of all forms of GBV, including bullying.

 

The foundation has been collaborating with the Ministry of Education to establish safe spaces in schools, complete with desk officers and counselors.

 

Dr. Emeka Phillip Ovuoba, Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, emphasized the critical role of primary health facilities in GBV response, providing immediate medical attention and psychosocial support to survivors.

 

Ms. Maryjacobs Okwuosa, Executive Director of Whisper to Humanity Foundation, said the project aims to ensure every child in Ebonyi has support and access to a safe learning environment.

 

Other stakeholders who spoke to newsmen, including the Director of Women Affairs in the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Nwakaego Igboke; teachers, including Victor Nwode of Model comprehensive girls secondary school, Abakaliki and Hillary Nwigwe of Ugwulangwu Secondary school, Ohaozara, commended Whisper to Humanity Foundation for the initiative which they observed will impact positively in reducing GBV in the state.

 

Students: Peace kosisochukwu Eze from Model comprehensive girls secondary school, Abakaliki, and a visually impaired student of Ebonyi state special secondary school, Opefia in Izzi LGA, Chizzy Williams Enyi, expressed joy with the development stressing that Whisper to Humanity Foundation has brought a lot of favourable reforms in their schools learning environment, including awareness about, and reduction in incidences of GBV.

 

The event featured lectures on GBV emergency response techniques, the role of primary healthcare in GBV response, and police responsibilities in addressing school-related GBV.

 

Whisper to Humanity Foundation has been working in Ebonyi State since 2024, creating safer and more friendly learning environments through its Transformative Education Project, powered by IGNITE Worldwide.