The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has empowered no fewer than 800 survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) within a year in Yobe, the GBV Case Manager, Musa Muhammed, said on Monday.
He disclosed this at the inauguration of new “Women and Girls Dignity Centre” established by the Fund and other partners in Damaturu.
Muhammed said “we empowered more than 800 women, mostly survivors of GBV, from September 2021 till date.
“We provided them with skills to enable them to earn a living because we realised that poverty is one of the contributing factor of GBV.
“Poverty gives room for sexual exploitation. Many women were exploited due to their vulnerability.”
The GBV case manager added that the Women and Girls Dignity Centre in Damaturu trained beneficiaries in tailoring, liquid-soap making, jelly making and offer guidance and counselling, as well as medical treatment as the case may be.
He explained that the UNFPA was able to assist the GBV survivors with the support of partners, such as Action Health Incorporated, Care International, and the Yobe Government.
One of the beneficiaries, Aisha Modu, who thanked UNFPA and partners for the assistance and the empowerment, said the gesture assisted in her recovery and reduced the trauma she went through.