Ebonyi State stakeholders have welcomed the updated Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Referral Pathway Directory, describing it as a vital tool for survivor care and management.
The third edition of the directory was sponsored by Whisper to Humanity Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.
It was presented at a workshop organised in collaboration with the Ebonyi State GBV Taskforce.
The directory contains the names and contact details of organisations, health facilities, traditional and security institutions, along with their specific areas of intervention in GBV response.
The two-day event also featured training, certification, and inauguration of members of the Schools GBV Hub, established by the foundation in 16 pilot schools across the state.
Unveiling the updated version, FaithVin Nwanchor, State Coordinator of the GBV Taskforce, explained that the document was revised to reflect current operational referral pathways.
New organisations and agencies were added, while redundant or non-existent entries from the previous edition were removed. Contacts affected by transfers or retirements were also updated.
Nwanchor thanked Whisper to Humanity Foundation for supporting the review and publication, emphasizing that the directory will help survivors access needed services closer to them.
Inaugurating members of the GBV Hub, which includes school guidance and counselling teachers, Whisper to Humanity coordinating teachers, selected health personnel, and volunteer community vigilantes, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Illang, urged them to work together to rid school environments of all forms of GBV, including bullying.
Represented by Helen Owo, Head of Department, Private Sector Engagement in the Ministry, Illang noted that the foundation has been collaborating with the Ministry of Education to establish safe spaces in schools, complete with desk officers and counsellors.
Speaking on the role of primary health facilities in GBV response, Dr. Emeka Phillip Ovuoba, Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, explained that they serve as the first point of referral for survivors, providing immediate medical attention and psychosocial support.
Represented by Prince Kalu Ugwumba, the Director of Nursing Services in the State Ministry of Health, Ovuoba described the event as impressive and stressed that such multi-sectoral approaches are essential to reducing GBV, which remains high in Ebonyi State.
Maryjacobs Okwuosa, the Executive Director of Whisper to Humanity Foundation, said the project aims to ensure every child in Ebonyi State has support and access to a safe learning environment.
Other stakeholders, including Nwakaego Igboke, the Director of Women Affairs in the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and teachers Victor Nwode (Model Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Abakaliki) and Hillary Nwigwe (Ugwulangwu Secondary School, Ohaozara) commended the foundation’s initiative, noting its positive impact on reducing GBV in the state.
Students: Peace Kosisochukwu Eze (Model Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Abakaliki) and Chizzy Enyi, a visually impaired student of Ebonyi State Special Secondary School, Opefia (Izzi LGA), expressed joy over the development.
They highlighted how Whisper to Humanity Foundation has brought favourable reforms to their school environments, including awareness and reduction of GBV incidences.
Resource persons from health, justice, and security sectors delivered lectures on topics such as understanding GBV emergency response techniques, the role of primary healthcare in GBV response, the role and limits of community vigilantes, and police responsibilities in addressing school-related GBV.
Whisper to Humanity Foundation has been active in Ebonyi State since 2024, working to create safer, more friendly learning environments through its Transformative Education Project, powered by IGNITE Worldwide.
Its efforts include eliminating gender-based violence in schools and surrounding communities.
