Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi), a non-governmental organization based in Port Harcourt, recently hosted a transformative workshop for its board members, staff, and volunteers.
The 3-day workshop aimed at strengthening sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) response mechanisms through the development of factsheets, templates, and reporting tools. It provided a platform for facilitators and participants to address critical aspects of SGBV, focusing on advocacy, prevention, responses, and reporting.
Key topics included the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consistent and effective SGBV responses, the creation of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials/messages, and strategies for data collection, monitoring and evaluation, documentation, and advocacy. The sessions provided participants with actionable insights into advocacy, survivor-centered care, ethical reporting, and effective communication strategies.
Emphasis was placed on collaboration among stakeholders, timely interventions, confidentiality, clear and precise messaging, reporting, data collection, documentation, and upholding the dignity of survivors.
Facilitators also guided participants in the application of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) templates and discussed the effectiveness of Referral and Feedback Systems in enhancing service delivery, supporting survivors, achieving positive outcomes, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
Practical exercises and group discussions enabled participants to simulate real-life scenarios, refine their documentation skills, and strengthen their ability to implement coordinated, survivor-centered interventions. These tools are designed to track project activities, outcomes, outputs, and impacts, improve service coordination among relevant stakeholders, and advocate systemic change.
A major highlight of the workshop was the development of IEC materials/messages tailored towards diverse audiences, including urban and remote communities, as well as the general public. These resources aim to raise awareness, educate the public on recognizing abuse, and provide clear reporting channels to ensure timely action.
Participants also explored innovative strategies for improving communication, advocacy, service delivery, referrals, and reporting, reaffirming their commitment to supporting survivors and preventing SGBV.
The workshop, supported by Rise Up, restated the importance of collaboration in addressing and preventing 6 equipping participants with the tools and skills needed to influence policy, mobilize communities, and drive transformative change.
