Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most widespread human rights violations! According
to United Nations estimates, one in three women world-wide has experienced physical or sexual violence because she is a woman. Violence is a major obstacle to women’s and girls’
development, and to the welfare and development of their communities and societies as a
whole.
There are physical, and non-physical, or psychological forms of GBV. The physical forms
of GBV are more familiar, and include intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual assault, female genital mutilation, sexual exploitation and abuse, child abuse, female infanticide, and
child marriage.
In 2023, Nigeria remains one of the top ten countries worldwide with the highest GBV prevalence rates. The percentage of women aged 15 – 49 who have ever experienced physical violence since age 15 increased from 27.8 per cent in 2013 to 31 percent in 2018. The percentage of women aged 15-49 who experienced physical violence since age 15 irrespective of the perpetrator in 2013
was highest in Edo State with 75.4 per cent, followed closely by Benue State with 72.1 percent. (NDHS 2018).
The big question – given the years of concerted GBV prevention efforts across Nigeria, why is there no commensurate decline in GBV prevalence rates?
The truth is that most of ongoing efforts at reducing GBV are reactive, such as survivor-centered response services addressing health, psychosocial, shelter, economic, and legal needs.
Ending GBV
however requires coordinated work across many sectors. This is why at Hayche Multi Service Solutions, we are committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing, and quality of life of women and girls through our innovative programs, such as Train Tough Smart
Safe (TTSS) and Positive Masculinity (+M).
Our (+M) program is in response to the now widely accepted evidence that efforts to end GBV must include work with men and boys. The program recognizes that a multisectoral response to the challenge of ending GBV needs to focus attention on the opportunities and benefits of male engagement strategies.
Train Tough Safe Smart (TTSS) Program:
The TTSS program is a violence risk reduction initiative designed to empower women and girls to avoid becoming victims of violence.
Through comprehensive training and skill-building
workshops, participants learn practical strategies to enhance their safety and security. While risk
reduction approaches do not address the root causes of violence, they play a crucial role in
preventing physical assault and instilling a sense of empowerment among women.
The Positive Masculinity (+M) program is aimed at fostering positive masculine identities among adolescent boys and young men. By challenging harmful social norms and encouraging
reflection on religious teachings that perpetuate violence against women, we guide participants
towards embracing gender-equitable attitudes and behaviors. Through this program, we strive to create a generation of men who respect and support the rights of women and girls.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme “Invest in Women:
Accelerate Progress,” we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women and advancing
gender equality.
Consequently, constructs of masculinity must be challenged for women and girls to live fully and to see real and lasting improvements in health outcomes. Additionally, men need to be engaged as allies and active participants in this transformational change.
Andrew Igbo
Managing Director
Hayche Multi Service Solutions
