Group 3 Peer Learning Session which was attended by Chukwu Ikechukwu & David Prince of CHHELD on 8th March 2022 at 8, Bolo Street, D-Line (Kerbakertche, Centre for Women Empowerment Advocacy), Port Harcourt.
The topic was titled: Women and Child Advocacy . In respect to the international women’s day. The purpose of the peer review section is to create awareness on the current activities with Women and Child Advocacy and the challenges therein. Ngozichukwuka Obiyo who is the E.D of Lifeline Organization for Children Empowerment (LOCE) coordinated the program. While Mr Macmorrison Harry presented on behalf of Coalition of Eastern NGOs (CENGOS), he pointed to some of their organizations intervention in cases of violence against women and sexual harassment, especially of minors. The discourse centered on the challenges that inhibit justice for victims of sexual abuse. In most cases, the challenge is from the family who wouldn’t want the matter followed to a logical conclusion because of fear of stigmatization and shame. A way out was to employ the law and bridging of the knowledge gap in society, and a continuous Advocacy against sexual harassment.
The lesson learnt here, is the need to bridge the knowledge gap in the fight against GBV, SBV and child abuse generally, many are not familiar with the child right acts and its domestication in Rivers State. The need to bridge the knowledge gap cuts across CSOs, security persons, victims and their family and would-be/potential victims and their families.
Mr Macmorrison Harry making a presentation during the Peer Learning Session on Women and Child Advocacy.
