Group strengthens ties with Anambra govt against GBV, others

By our reporter

Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare received the Advocacy Team of the Global Fund/C19RM/NACA/CSS project led by the ATM State Advocacy Team (ATM SAT) during an impactful visit aimed at strengthening efforts against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Gender and Human Rights (GHR) abuses in the state.

The visit, spearheaded by Mrs. Ify Unachukwu, the ATM Project State Coordinator, was geared towards fostering collaboration and ensuring effective intervention for survivors of GBV/GHR in Anambra State.

Mrs. Unachukwu emphasized the need for data harmonization among all partners working to address GBV/GHR. She also called for more responsive actions from the Ministry of Women Affairs and security agencies to tackle these critical issues comprehensively.

Speaking during the visit, the Senior Program Officer of TB Network, Mr. Onyekachi Ololo, briefed the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Chinwe Achugbu, on the ongoing active case-finding efforts conducted by case managers and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Community Led Monitoring Teams (CLMTs) implementing the project in the state.

These interventions, he explained, are critical in identifying and addressing cases of GBV/GHR while ensuring victims receive timely support.

Responding, Mrs. Chinwe Achugbu reaffirmed the Ministry’s role as the coordinating body for GBV/GHR interventions in Anambra State.

She called for the unification of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and advocates working in this space to strengthen collaborative efforts and enhance the impact of interventions.

Mrs. Achugbu also stressed the importance of establishing a robust data repository for GBV/GHR cases, ensuring data security, and facilitating effective monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

She lauded the ATM Network for its remarkable work in the state and encouraged all partners and stakeholders fighting against GBV/GHR to align with the Ministry for a more cohesive and impactful approach.

The visit marks a significant step toward building a coordinated and responsive framework for tackling GBV/GHR in Anambra State, reinforcing the importance of partnership among government bodies, CSOs, and implementing partners in driving positive change.

The Ministry and the ATM Network reiterated their commitment to continuing their collaboration to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all residents of Anambra State.