The Open Knowledge Development Initiative (OKDI), a non-profit organization committed to positive societal transformation, organized a crucial session to enhance its draft Gender-Based Violence Prevention Framework. This session, part of the ongoing AmplifyHer for Safe Schools Campaign in Gombe State, Nigeria, convened a diverse group of experts to tackle the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV) within schools and communities. The initiative underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to combat GBV and establish a safer environment for women and girls in Nigeria.
The session served as a platform for brainstorming on critical aspects of GBV, including its root causes, the challenges in addressing it, and potential solutions. Participants’ input will be instrumental in finalizing the GBV Prevention Framework and establishing a Centralized Gender-Based Violence Reporting System. This system aims to strengthen data collection and reporting mechanisms, which are crucial for effectively addressing the issue. OKDI’s Executive Director, Adamu Usman, emphasized the organization’s commitment to creating safer spaces for women and girls, recognizing the framework’s pivotal role in achieving this objective.
A key driver for OKDI’s intensified efforts in Gombe State is the alarming discrepancy between reported GBV cases and the actual number of incidents. A recent school visit by the organization revealed a stark contrast: OKDI recorded and addressed five GBV cases in a single month, compared to the Gombe State government’s report of fewer than 400 cases over four years. This disparity highlights the significant underreporting of GBV cases and underscores the critical need for improved data collection and reporting mechanisms. The development of a centralized reporting system is a crucial step towards accurately capturing the prevalence of GBV and informing effective interventions.
The AmplifyHer for Safe Schools Campaign and the GBV Prevention Framework exemplify OKDI’s unwavering dedication to creating safer environments for women and girls. These initiatives aim to address the root causes of GBV, enhance reporting mechanisms, and implement preventative measures. By tackling the systemic issues that contribute to GBV, OKDI strives to foster a culture of respect, equality, and safety within schools and communities. The organization’s efforts serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential for positive change through concerted action and community engagement.
The draft framework likely addresses key areas such as education and awareness, community engagement, capacity building for stakeholders, policy advocacy, and the establishment of support services for survivors. By bringing together experts from various fields, OKDI seeks to create a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to GBV prevention. The participatory nature of the framework development process ensures that the resulting strategies are context-specific and reflect the needs and experiences of the affected communities.
OKDI’s work highlights the importance of collaborative partnerships in addressing complex social issues like GBV. By working with government agencies, community organizations, and individuals, OKDI aims to create a network of support and advocacy. The organization’s commitment to systemic change goes beyond addressing immediate incidents of GBV; it seeks to transform societal norms and create a culture of zero tolerance for violence against women and girls. The AmplifyHer campaign and the GBV Prevention Framework signify important steps towards achieving this long-term goal.
