As the world commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence, the Foundation for Community Empowerment Initiative (FOCEI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening prevention and response mechanisms for women and girls in Gombe State and across Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday, FOCEI Team Lead, Benjamin Maina, described gender-based violence as “a grave violation of human rights and a persistent barrier to dignity, safety, and development for countless women and girls.”
He noted that the day serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to end violence in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
“Today reminds us that GBV is not just a statistic. It is a lived reality for many women and girls in our communities,” Maina said. “FOCEI remains firmly committed to creating safer spaces where every woman and girl can thrive without fear.”
FOCEI highlighted the range of interventions it is currently implementing in collaboration with the Women Aid Collective (WACOL). These efforts include extensive community awareness through radio programmes, drama series, jingles and public sensitisation campaigns, all aimed at educating the public on rights, prevention and reporting channels.
The organisation is also strengthening referral pathways by working closely with healthcare providers, security agencies, traditional structures and community support systems to ensure survivors can easily access help.
According to Maina, FOCEI is equally prioritising women’s leadership by training women and grassroots leaders on GBV prevention, case identification, advocacy and community mobilisation.
Another major focus is the ongoing engagement with religious and cultural leaders through dialogue sessions designed to address harmful interpretations of culture and faith, and to promote gender justice. Additionally, FOCEI is using baseline data, research insights and stakeholder consultations to drive evidence-based advocacy for stronger protection mechanisms across the state.
Maina commended WACOL for its continued support, noting that its technical and programmatic contributions have significantly strengthened FOCEI’s work. “We deeply appreciate our partnership with WACOL. Their expertise has expanded our impact and improved our reach to communities that need support the most,” he said.
He called on government institutions, community leaders, families and citizens to take a firm stand against all forms of violence.
“We cannot end GBV through isolated efforts,” he stressed. “Every sector government, security agencies, schools, religious institutions, and families—must take responsibility. Together, we can build a Gombe and a Nigeria where women and girls are safe, valued and empowered.”
FOCEI also encouraged survivors to come forward and seek help, assuring that confidential and survivor-centred support systems are available.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which begins today, will feature a series of intensified community engagements and sensitisation activities led by FOCEI and its partners across Gombe State.
