CWIDI Calls For Strengthening Of Sexual Assault Referral Centre In Benue 

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi 

The Concerned Women International Development Initiative (CWIDI) has called on the Benue State government to boost funding for the Benue State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (BSSARC) (often referred to as an assault referral center).

The  organisation stressed the need for better support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) amidst rising crime, for improved services and awareness in the state.

The executive director of CWIDI, Mrs. Bridget Okeke made the call at the close-out event of the organisation’s two years Amplify Change- supported project tagged ” Enhancing Protection from Gender -Based Violence for Female Sex Workers held in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, on Friday. 

Mrs. Okeke who was represented by Mrs. Becky Gbihi, stated that female gender have faced numerous sexual violence and find it difficult to speak out due to non functional referral centre that could provide legal protection . 

She added that in the last two years, CWIDI has referred 25 cases of gender violence against FSW to human right office, NATIPPs and FIDA. 

According to her, in the past 24 months, the organization also try to address a critical gap, improving knowledge of existing legal protections and strengthening access to justice for Female Sex Workers who experience gender-based violence. 

She explained that through trainings, dialogue and engagement, they have trained and provided support to at least 120 Female Sex Workers on five different trades and exposed them to better understand their rights under the Revised National Gender Policy and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition(VAPP) Law 2015.

The executive director intimated that the training was further stepped down to benefit over 600 other FSWs across three local government areas of the state including Makurdi, Gboko and GwerEast. 

“Female  Sex Workers face daily discrimination, Harassment, and violence from both clients and law enforcement officers. Fear of arrest and stigma prevent them reporting abuses as there are no laws specifically protecting them. 

“Therefore, we are calling on the state government to strengthen the assaults referral centre and create awareness of rights and legal literacy among FSWs and other vulnerable groups”, she said. 

In her closing remark, the director of women affairs,state ministry of women affairs, Mrs. Magdalene Andor, commended CWIDA for fighting against GVB and transforming the lives of FSWs in the State. 

Mrs. Andor who was represented by Mrs. Afatar Esther, assured that the ministry would continue to partner and collaborate with organizations championing the advancement women in the state.