Over Twenty women who survived the trauma of Gender Based Violence are undergoing a 4 – day skills acquisition training organised by the Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, a pet project of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State.
The training is designed to equip the survivors with essential life skills and empower them with resources to take care of their daily needs.
Flagging off the training with support from the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, the Chairman Board of Trustees of GIFA, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, stated that participants at the upskilling initiative will, upon completion, be provided with starter packs to set up their businesses.
Represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on General Duties and member of the GIFA team, Pastor Ann Abraham, Lady Obareki explained that the training, which is covered by the GBV prevention and response thematic area of GIFA, aligns with the STEAM Flagship Programme of the UNFPA, which provides integrated training on life skills, entrepreneurship and GBV prevention for young vulnerable women and girls.
Goodwill messages were received from the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare Hon. Inibehe Silas, a representative of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning -Dr. Uduak Ekong, the Chairperson of FIDA Uyo Branch – Chief Magistrate Helen Umana and a member of the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, AKSGBVM – Obonganwan Patricia Obot, commended GIFA for the initiative, noting that the well-thought-out programme would not only aid the survivors in reintegrating into society, but also help them regain their confidence.
Applauding GIFA for sustained advocacy against Gender-Based Violence in the state.
Some of the Survivors expressed their gratitude to the Chairperson of GIFA, Lady Helen Eno Obareki for her motherly disposition and valuable support made in the lives of GBV survivors, noting that the opportunities provided have eased their pain and given them the backing to stand tall and face life without fears.
