The Centre for Gender, Women and Children in Sustainable Development (CGWCSD), in collaboration with the Osun State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), has organised a two-day training/meeting on data protection, inclusive adaptations for children and persons with disabilities, and clear accountability mechanisms.
The programme also centred on meetings to strengthen the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) referral pathway for the Osun-RAAMP project.
The training, held in Osogbo, aimed to strengthen safeguards against GBV/SEAH in development projects and ensure accountability in community engagement.
Sessions highlighted the risks of GBV/SEAH in infrastructure projects, emphasised the importance of survivor-centred approaches, discussed relevant legal and policy frameworks, and underlined the critical roles of contractors and SPIU staff in maintaining accountability.
Participants also engaged in case studies and simulation exercises designed to enhance their ability to respond ethically and effectively to real-life situations.
On the second day, representatives of major ministries, departments, all security agencies, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Osun State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), among others, held a meeting to strengthen the GBV referral pathway for the Osun-RAAMP project.
Speaking during the events, one of the facilitators of the training/meeting, Ms Lola Adewale, emphasised that while the RAAMP aims to improve rural roads and market access, large infrastructure schemes may attract labour influxes and power imbalances that increase GBV risks.
Guiding the participants with clarity, Dr. Adebayo and Dr. Olufunmilayo Banjo walked them through the essentials of GBV/SEAH referral systems highlighting the Do No Harm principles, minimum service packages, and informed consent procedures as vital safeguards for survivors.