The Centre for Gender, Women and Children in Sustainable Development (CGWCSD), in Partnership with the Osun State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, with support from the World Bank, has commenced a series of community entry visits as part of its efforts to expand its Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention campaign across selected communities.
The community entry process, which preceded mobilisation and sensitisation activities, was designed to secure community acceptance, deepen understanding of local socio-cultural dynamics, and build constructive relationships with key stakeholders at the grassroots level.
The visits were conducted across the communities of Ikire, Igangan, Akola, Orisunbare, Ayinrin Adedeji, and Kajola, where the Centre engaged a broad spectrum of community representatives. These included traditional rulers, leaders of women’s and men’s groups, youth associations, and representatives of persons with disabilities.
During the engagements, the Centre formally introduced the GBV prevention project and outlined the scope and objectives of the planned sensitisation activities. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to proactively prevent and respond to potential GBV risks arising from increased road construction activities in the communities.
Community leaders welcomed the initiative and expressed their commitment to supporting the campaign, noting the importance of early engagement, inclusive participation, and culturally sensitive approaches in addressing GBV. The visits also provided valuable insights into community-specific dynamics that will inform the design and implementation of subsequent awareness and prevention activities.
The Centre reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with community structures to promote safer, more inclusive environments for women, children, and other vulnerable groups as the project progresses.