Gender Equality Cameroon Project #60049

Resilience Building for GBV Survivors

by Refugees Welfare Association

Project Report | Nov 6, 2024
SGBV Awareness Sweeps Through Schools

By Dr. Mukete Tahle Itoe,PhD | Project Lead Supervisor

Press Article on REWAC's SGBV activities

In a groundbreaking initiative, schools across the region have become hubs of change in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Recent awareness sessions carried out by our organization have not only educated students but also empowered them to become advocates for change.

Targeted Approach: Guidance and Counselling at the Forefront

Four intensive awareness sessions were conducted in primary and secondary schools with existing guidance and counselling offices. These sessions focused on equipping students with knowledge about SGBV protection mechanisms and encouraging them to report any sexual misconduct by teachers or fellow students.

Refugee Welfare Association Cameroon (REWAC)) took a pivotal role in training school counselors to handle students’ cases with child-friendly approaches. This partnership between REWAC’s SGBV case managers and school counselors has created a safe space for students to voice their concerns.

Student Perspectives: Clubs Leading the Change

The impact of these sessions has been profound, with students taking the initiative to combat SGBV in their schools.

At St. Fredrick High School, a Girls Club has been established, meeting twice a month to discuss SGBV-related issues. Club member Sarah N. shares, “We’re not just talking about SGBV; we’re actively sensitizing our entire school during morning devotions. It’s empowering to know we can make a difference.”

Meanwhile, at the Government Technical High School (GTHS) Mendankwe,, boys are stepping up with a unique “He for Her” campaign. John M., a club member, explains, “We’re learning that real strength is about respect and equality. Our club is dedicated to educating other boys about the harms of SGBV.”

Breaking the Silence: Increased Reporting

One of the most significant outcomes of these awareness sessions has been the increased number of students visiting counselors’ offices. “Before, many students were afraid to speak up,” says Mrs. Tata, a school counselor. “Now, they feel empowered to share their experiences and seek help.”

Comprehensive Curriculum: Beyond Basics

The awareness sessions covered a wide range of topics, providing students with a holistic understanding of SGBV: These include but are not limited to:

SGBV Fundamentals: Students learned about different forms of GBV, its prevalence, and its impact on individuals and communities.
Human Rights Focus: Sessions emphasized the rights of women and girls, encouraging students to challenge discriminatory practices.
Support Systems: Students were educated on reporting mechanisms and available support services for SGBV survivors.
Peer Education: The initiative empowered students to become peer educators, equipping them with strategies for organizing awareness campaigns and support groups within schools.

In conclusion, as we continue to strive at enhancing our outreach to other schools, the feedback remains very positive: That once children are taught at a tender age about SGBV, the future prospects are very bright in reducing the number and impact of such cases in our society.

School Sensitization on SGBV

Youths SGBV Project Awareness Drive

Links:

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Jul 9, 2024
Equipping Teachers to Fight Gender-Based Violence

By Dr. Mukete Tahle Itoe,PhD | Project Lead Supervisor

Teachers Exchange on SGBV

Education is the cornerstone of a strong community, but in Bamenda, recent years have cast a long shadow. Children, especially, face a harsh reality. However, a beacon of hope emerged from REWAC, a familiar champion for vulnerable communities. REWAC stepped up to protect children by holding a critical session with teachers from the Heritage Bilingual Primary and Secondary School.

This wasn’t a typical teacher training session. We forgot about lesson plans and textbooks for a moment and had to equip these educators with a strong and more powerful tool: the ability to identify and address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) amongst their students.

Here’s the truth: Teachers are often the first line of defense for our children. They are trusted confidantes, and by empowering them to recognize GBV, REWAC is putting the safety and well-being of our children directly in the hands of those who care most. But this initiative goes beyond awareness. REWAC actively engaged teachers in weaving GBV education into the very fabric of the school curriculum. This ensures that our children not only understand what GBV is, but also have the tools to recognize it in their own lives and the lives of their classmates.

Knowledge is power, but without action, it’s a dormant seed. Recognizing this, REWAC facilitated the creation of a safe and vital referral system within the school. This system allows students to report GBV incidents and ensures that they receive the support they need. This is a game-changer. The system empowers our children to find their voice, to know they will be heard. It’s a message of hope that rings loud and clear, a call to action for every school and stakeholder in Bamenda.

The fight against GBV demands a united front. REWAC’s initiative with the Heritage Bilingual School is a powerful model, a beacon for other schools to follow. Let’s break the silence surrounding GBV. Let’s prioritize the safety and well-being of every child in Bamenda. The future of our community depends on it.

Links:

Please serach our initiative & works on Google

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Mar 10, 2024
GBV Same Sex Focus Group Discussions

By Dr. Mukete Tahle Itoe,PhD | Project Supervisor

REWAC Project Dream Team

Same-sex focus groups were one of the strategies adopted by REWAC to address the issue of SGBV in communities. Altogether, 7 same-sex focus groups were organized in the communities. 2 were organized in Wum, 1 in Belo, and 4 in Bamendakwe. There were 15 participants in each focus group with 6 of them being female focus groups and 1 being male. Issues discussed during the FGD sessions were around the understanding of community members about GBV, the various forms of GBV encountered in the community, the profile of survivors as well as that of perpetrators, the effect of SGBV on survivors, the attitudes of the community towards survivors and perpetrators, the type of support services available to the community and the access to these services by survivors. These sessions helped the project team have a better understanding of the community norms as concerns SGBV, helping them better tailor their activities to efficiently respond to the needs of the population.

Output: 7 focus group discussions were held with 7 same sex groups it 105 participants (90 female and 15 male).

Outcome: In-depth understanding of perceptions of sexual violence through Insights gained from the focus group discussions provide a comprehensive understanding of the perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs related to sexual violence among participants

Identification of barriers and challenges as participants contribute to identifying barriers and challenges that prevent individuals from reporting or seeking support for sexual violence, highlighting gaps in services and interventions.

Generation of recommendations and strategies by participants to effectively collaborate and address sexual violence, taking into account the specific needs and concerns of the same-sex community.

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