By Anietie Akpan
The Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has provided 20 survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with new opportunities to rebuild their lives through the presentation of business start-up equipment to help meet their financial needs.
A release from the Media Unit, Office of the First Lady, said the empowerment and Graduation Ceremony for the trained GBV Survivors, which took place at the Women Development Centre, Uyo, comes on the heels of an intensive six-months skills acquisition training programme in pastries, makeup and Gele tying, fashion design and hairdressing.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady and Chairperson, GIFA Board of Trustees, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, stated that as part of GIFA’s response to GBV in the state, the intervention programme, tagged “Restoring Hope, Dignity, and Economic Independence,” was designed to rehabilitate, empower and reintegrate survivors into the society.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon Inibehe Etukudo, Lady Obareki highlighted that the empowerment programme aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s focus on entrepreneurial development, noting that the efforts aim to ensure that survivors rise above their circumstances, have their rights and dignity protected, as well as restore their pride as women.
She encouraged the survivors to stay determined, find their purpose, change their narratives, achieve financial stability and become mentors to other GBV survivors, reminding them of their pride of place in the heart of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
In her welcome address, the Special Assistant to the Governor on General Duties and GIFA Focal Person, Pastor Anne Abraham, stated that the programme initially began with a 4-day training session, providing fundamental knowledge, while the 6-month phase provided a long-term impact through ongoing monitoring and mentorship. She appreciated UNFPA for its partnership and support for the survivors’ centre intervention.
Speaking on the topic “Empowering Survivors for Sustainable Reintegration”, the Director of the GBV unit in the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice and Resource Person, Barr. Emem Etteh, underscored that the reintegration of vulnerable survivors into society can be sustained through consistent mentorship.
In their goodwill messages, the wife of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ediongsenyene Ekem, the wife of the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Umoh Gabriel, the wife of the Chairman of Okobo Local Government Council, Mrs Nelly Henshaw, the State RHI Focal person, Mrs Emem Orok and a representative of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Uduak Ekong, commended GIFA for strengthening families and ensuring that women and survivors are not only supported but also empowered to rebuild their lives with confidence and purpose.
Some of the Survivors shared their individual stories of trauma and pain, and thanked Lady Obareki for helping them navigate through their broken lives, restoring their mental health and giving them a renewed hope.
They pledged to apply the knowledge gained and utilise the starter items provided to transform their lives, mentor other Survivors and support GIFA’s initiatives.
High point of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates of completion and empowerment items, including gas cookers, gas cylinders, measuring scales, sewing machines, irons, towel hangers, makeup boxes, LED ring lights, cosmetics, and others, to the graduating students.,
