Ebonyi foundation partners review GBV survivor referral pathway directory

The Ebonyi State Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Taskforce, in collaboration with Whisper to Humanity Foundation, has reviewed and updated the state’s GBV referral pathway directory.

 

The two-day stakeholder’s workshop, held on March 18th and 19th at the State Ministry of Health’s Impact Hall in Abakaliki, aimed to strengthen the fight against GBV in the state.

 

The directory, first produced in 2023 and previously reviewed in 2024, was updated with sponsorship from Whisper to Humanity Foundation as part of its efforts to contribute to a GBV-free Ebonyi state.

 

Dr. Emeka Phillip Ovuoba, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, described GBV as a social menace affecting both women and men, manifesting in various forms such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological and emotional violence, and economic violence. He called on stakeholders to intensify efforts to curb GBV.

 

Barr. Faithvin Nwanchor, Ebonyi State Coordinator of the GBV Taskforce, described the review as a “dream come true,” noting that the taskforce had been unable to review the document since 2024 due to funding constraints. She emphasized that the updated directory would help survivors easily access help across the state.

 

Nwanchor explained that the GBV Taskforce requires a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to respond effectively to GBV cases.

 

The directory outlines names and contacts of persons, institutions and centers where survivors can be referred for needed services and help.

 

Nwanchor explained: “Gender based violence taskforce desires rapid response to GBV cases, and this is because we majorly coordinate cases in the state.

 

“Effective response requires collaboration and multi-sectorial mechanism and approach in fighting.

 

“This directory will help us and all our partners to know health facilities, Organisations and institutions working in various thematic areas of response to GBV cases.

 

Whisper to Humanity Foundation’s Executive Director, Maryjacobs Okwuosa, represented by Programme Officer Adorable Ukachukwu, stated that partnering with the taskforce on the directory review was part of its transformative education project in Ebonyi state, aimed at eliminating GBV in communities and schools.

 

The workshop featured goodwill messages from GBV stakeholders and partners, including representatives from security agencies, government ministries, and civil society organizations.

 

Prior to the workshop, the GBV Taskforce executives and Whisper to Humanity Foundation’s representative paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Ovuoba, during which both parties committed to collaborating to fight GBV.