Edo Govt Partners CWEENS to Advance Protection, Justice for GBV Survivors

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has reinforced its commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through strategic collaboration, as the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development received the Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society (CWEENS), Edo State Chapter, on an advocacy visit.

The delegation, led by State Coordinator, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, SAN, engaged the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, in discussions aimed at strengthening protection mechanisms for women and vulnerable groups across the state.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Omorogbe highlighted CWEENS’ ongoing project titled “Combating Gender-Based Violence Through Holistic Empowerment of Women in Urban and Rural Areas in Edo State.” She stressed the importance of a survivor centred approach and called for closer collaboration with the Ministry’s existing frameworks, particularly the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), to improve intervention outcomes.

In her response, the Commissioner, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, commended CWEENS for its proactive advocacy and strong grassroots presence, noting that the State Government remains steadfast in ensuring access to justice and comprehensive support services for survivors of GBV.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, SAN, and the CWEENS delegation to the Ministry,” she said. “As the lead government institution responsible for protecting women and vulnerable groups, we recognize that the fight against Gender-Based Violence cannot be won in isolation.”

She further noted that CWEENS’ dual focus on urban and rural communities aligns with the administration’s broader mandate to ensure inclusive access to safety, justice, and support services across Edo State. She assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to provide policy guidance and institutional backing to enhance the impact and sustainability of their interventions.

According to her, strengthening referral pathways, including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, remains a top priority, adding that partnerships with community-based organisations are critical to expanding reach and effectiveness.
“Our doors remain open for collaboration. By combining the Ministry’s policy framework with CWEENS’ community-level engagement, we can build a more robust response system against GBV and safeguard the dignity of survivors,” Abdallah stated.

The visit underscores the Edo State Government’s sustained efforts to foster multi-stakeholder partnerships aimed at tackling Gender-Based Violence and advancing the welfare of women and vulnerable populations.