As part of ongoing efforts to prevent and respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH), the Osun State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in collaboration with the Centre for Gender, Women, and Children in Sustainable Development (CGWCSD) and supported by the World Bank, organized a major sensitization exercise in Agodo community, Osun State. The event focused on fostering community engagement and raising awareness to promote gender equality and strengthen local responses to GBV and SEAH.
The sensitization, held at the Agodo Community Centre, drew over 80 participants, including community leaders, men, women, and youth representatives. It was designed to educate the community on the realities of GBV, encourage collective action, and inspire community-driven solutions to prevent and address abuse.
The programme featured a range of impactful activities, including dialogue sessions, group discussions, and a thought-provoking drama presentation. The drama illustrated real-life scenarios highlighting how societal pressures and fear of stigma often silence survivors of GBV. One scene depicted a mother prioritizing family reputation over her daughter’s safety, while another showed a woman shielding her abusive husband. These performances sparked meaningful discussions about harmful cultural norms, the critical need for survivor support, and the importance of early reporting.
A key outcome of the engagement was the formation of a GBV Response Committee. Comprising respected individuals from across the community, the committee is tasked with championing a zero-tolerance stance on abuse, supporting survivors, facilitating referrals, and leading advocacy efforts. Members pledged to collaborate closely to ensure that no case of GBV goes unreported or unresolved.
Participants also openly discussed several pressing challenges within the community, including instances of sexual exploitation by those in positions of authority, harassment of female food vendors, and the vulnerability of schoolgirls. Notably, participants agreed on a powerful shared commitment: “A child’s safety is far more valuable than any infrastructure project,” emphasizing their collective determination to prioritize human welfare above all else.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many called for regular sensitization programmes and further capacity building to sustain momentum and drive lasting change. Additional training and support for the newly established GBV Response Committee were identified as immediate priorities.
The sensitization exercise in Agodo represents a vital step in the broader campaign to eliminate GBV in Osun State. With continued community engagement and institutional backing, the initiative is expected to contribute significantly to building safer, more inclusive communities where all individuals can thrive free from violence and discrimination.