Ebonyi stakeholders adopt a unified framework for GBV

Key stakeholders in the response to gender-based violence (GBV) have agreed to establish a standardized roadmap framework across sectors to address harmful practices and strengthen coordinated responses to GBV and child trafficking.

The resolution is contained in a statement signed on Monday in Abakaliki by members of the GBV task force, including security agencies and civil society organisations.

Participants also included representatives from the Ministries of Health and Education, human rights groups and other state and non-state actors committed to strengthening response mechanisms to GBV and child trafficking.

The statement said the resolution follows a joint call from stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, identify gaps and challenges, and develop actionable strategies to improve responses to gender-based violence and child trafficking.

He explained that the initiative aimed to improve inter-agency collaboration and communication to ensure a more coordinated, efficient and survivor-focused approach across all sectors involved in the GBV response.

Stakeholders also agreed to conduct regular training for relevant actors to ensure effective and survivor-focused responses and improve the capacity of institutions handling GBV and trafficking cases.

They also agreed to improve data sharing and documentation systems to strengthen the evidence base needed for prevention strategies, policy formulation and informed decision-making across all sectors.

The statement also highlights the need to increase community awareness of reporting mechanisms to encourage timely reporting of GBV cases and ensure that survivors can access appropriate support services.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Health will lead the development of a harmonized referral protocol, while security agencies will designate key persons for GBV and trafficking cases.

It also recommended that civil society organizations and human rights groups intensify community-level awareness campaigns to educate the public about GBV prevention and the support systems available for survivors.

Stakeholders also agreed to hold regular quarterly coordination meetings to monitor progress, review challenges and ensure long-lasting collaboration between all actors involved in the response system.

In her remarks, Mrs. Faithvin Nwanchor, State Coordinator of the GBV Task Force, appreciated the members and urged organizations to designate GBV focal persons to streamline referral pathways and improve access to services.

Nwanchor also praised the Johns Hopkins Program for International Training in Gynecology and Obstetrics for working with the task force to strengthen referral pathways to address GBV and child trafficking.

Ms. Nneka Dikeocha, State Program Officer, urged stakeholders to recommit and intensify collective efforts towards the elimination of GBV through stronger collaboration and coordinated action.

“We are back and we want the state to feel our impact on the response,” Dikeocha said, underscoring the need for visible progress in fighting GBV and protecting vulnerable populations.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen collaboration and ensure an effective, coordinated and survivor-focused response to gender-based violence and child trafficking across all sectors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event included organizational reports covering activities and interventions carried out between December 2025 and March 2026.

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