Strengthening Frontline Response to SGBV
Through the Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme, we partnered with Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) to strengthen how frontline healthcare workers in Edo State respond to cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
While Sexual and Gender-Based Violence continues to receive national attention, many survivors still face barriers in accessing timely, confidential, and survivor-centred care. Primary health centres are often the first point of contact, but frontline healthcare workers are not always equipped with the specialised skills required to manage these cases effectively.
To address this gap, we partnered with Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) to deliver a focused intervention to improve the response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) within primary health centres in Edo State.
Over three days, 18 healthcare workers from nine primary health centres were trained in forensic medical examination, trauma-informed counselling, and proper case documentation. The sessions were practical and interactive, combining theory with case studies and role play to ensure participants could apply what they learned in real-life situations.
Beyond building individual capacity, we also focused on strengthening the broader system that supports survivors. We convened a multi-stakeholder engagement bringing together community representatives, government agencies, security institutions, and civil society partners.
Together, we worked to define a clear referral pathway, outlining how survivors can move from first contact at the community or facility level to accessing medical, legal, and psychosocial support. This ensures a more coordinated and responsive system.
This intervention goes beyond training. It is about making sure healthcare workers are better prepared, and that the system around them actually works for survivors.
By strengthening both capacity at the frontline and coordination across stakeholders, we are helping to ensure that survivors can access the right care, at the right time, and through a system that is clear and responsive.