Persons with Disabilities Trained as Champions Of Gender Based Violence In Osun

Not fewer than 54 Women and Girls with Disabilities in Osun were trained as Champions of End Gender Based Violence (GBV) Against Women and Girls with Disabilities by an Non-Governmental Organization named Society For Life Changers and Good Parental Care (SoLife).

The three days training program targeted at Empowering Women and Girls with Disabilities through Improved Social Inclusion and Eliminating Gender Based Violence in Osun and Kwara state (EMPOWER Project), had women and girls with disabilities, and Teachers from the schools for special needs as the selected participants in attendance.

The training program which was part of the action plan of the EMPOWER Project, organised by the non governmental organization whose slogan was 'Nourishing the Seed of Life', was funded by UN Women, United Nations Entity For Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.

At the program held at Omilas Continental Hotel Osogbo, the Chairman BOT, Society For Life Changers and Good Parental Care SoLife, Mr Aremu Stephen Akinyele charged the trained Champions of GBV to sensitize their peers and community about their right as a Person with Disability.

He added that as trained Champions they are to watch out for people of similar situation in disabilities and also report any case of violence for proper follow up. While announcing that, a club known as Life Changers Forum Club will be establised in schools of participants, he encouraged the teacher to always monitor the students activities, adding that the purpose of the club is for the students to pass around the knowledge gained to other members of their peers at different schools.

Speaking on behalf of Persons With Disabilities at the Program, Mrs Funmi Abdullahi appreciated SoLife and UN Women for identifying with the plight of Persons With Disabilities in Osun and Kwara state, she added that the exclusive project targeted at persons with disabilities is highly commendable.

She added that the participants' work plan created at the training, will guide them on their task in putting an end to Gender based violence. She also commended the result of the evaluation of the activities of the organization during the three day workshop done by the participants. 

Mrs Funmi pointed out that the height of the feedback, was that the Organizers and Facilitators communication of the objective of the workshops to the Persons With Disabilities in the manner they fully understand, particularly by using their indigenous language. 

The Champions of GBV in Osun were trained in necessary life skills essential to face Gender Based Violence, Effective Communication, Capacity Building on Successful Community Mobilizations, Knowing their Rights and using the law, Enlightenment of Various forms of Disabilities among others.

Similarly, selected Persons with Disabilities, majorly Women and Girls with Disabilities in Kwara state are also highlighted to receive their Training as Champions on Gender Based Violence soon.