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Empowering Survivors and Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: The Effort of REFOP to fight against it

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a global pandemic that affects millions of people every year, with devastating physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. It is mainly a significant problem in Nigeria, with incidents reported nationwideide. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable and can face a range of abuses, including rape, domestic violence, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation. In this blog post, we will explore the effort of REFOP in the fight against SGBV.

REFOP is looking to provide a wide range of services and support to survivors of SGBV, including crisis counseling. These services are critical for survivors to heal and rebuild their lives after experiencing trauma. By empowering survivors, REFOP helps them to regain their dignity, self-esteem, and confidence, which are often shattered by the violence they have experienced.

REFOP believes SGBV can only be eradicated by changing societal attitudes towards violence and promoting gender equality. The organization proposes sensitization to create room for solutions and create awareness-raising campaigns, community mobilization, and advocacy to sensitize the public about the devastating impact of SGBV and to advocate for policies and laws that protect survivors and prevent violence. REFOP also engages with communities, including government agencies and civil society organizations, to build alliances and create a movement toward ending SGBV.

REFOP recognizes that ending SGBV requires collective action and collaboration. The organization works closely with individuals, community-based organizations, and stakeholders to leverage their resources, expertise, and networks toward common goals. By fostering partnerships and collaboration, REFOP can amplify its impact and reach more survivors and communities. For them, “the campaign to end the menace of SGBV is about saving lives, it is about giving voice to every victim and survivor of SGBV whose voice has been silenced by archaic social Norms, the campaign is about giving courage to the downtrodden, strength to the bereaved, hope to the hopeless, rescue to the one nursing revenge, and shoulder to those in need of comfort.” 

The impact of REFOP in the fight against SGBV cannot be overemphasized. Through its holistic approach, the organization is changing lives, creating awareness, and advocating for change. By empowering survivors, creating awareness, and fostering collaboration, REFOP contributes to a world free from SGBV, where everyone can live with dignity, respect, and equality.