From Moshood Karim
Efforts to strengthen the implementation of laws on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and improve access to justice for survivors received a major boost in Edo State this week, as the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP) held a two-day training for police officers.
The workshop, which commenced on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, was held in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC II). It aimed at enhancing the investigative and prosecutorial capacity of law enforcement officers in handling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.
The training brought together police personnel from three Area Commands across Uhumwonde, Ovia North-East, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas. Through expert-led sessions, role-playing, and collaborative exercises, participants engaged with core themes including legal frameworks, trauma-informed practices, safeguarding principles, and survivor-centred approaches to law enforcement.
Bose Ironsi, Executive Director of WRAHP and lead facilitator, stressed the urgency of improving GBV response in Nigeria. Citing data from the 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey, which shows that 33% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence, Ironsi described the lack of access to justice for survivors as a critical human rights concern.
“Justice remains elusive for many survivors due to weak investigative and prosecutorial responses. By equipping police officers—our first responders—with the right tools and knowledge, we take a vital step towards building a compassionate and coordinated justice system,” she said.
Ironsi highlighted that the training formed part of WRAHP’s broader intervention, Scaling up Access to Justice-Related Social Services for Women and Girls Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Lagos and Edo States, facilitated through its Ireti Resource Centre.
Participants examined the root causes of impunity and barriers to justice, including prolonged court proceedings, alleged corruption within police ranks, and the culture of plea bargaining which undermines survivor advocacy. The issue of “orders from above”, which often leads to compromised investigations, was also addressed.
Ronke Ojeikere, a vocal advocate for gender equality and child rights, delivered a rousing presentation urging participants to confront societal enablers of GBV. “We must all speak out against injustice and build safer communities. It is time to turn silence into action,” she said.
The event also featured a presentation by Bright Oniovokukor, Project Director at the Indomitable Youth Organisation, who shared a visual overview of the strides made and challenges faced in the national fight against GBV.
In a separate address, Dr Faith Edebor, Coordinator of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Benin City, charged officers to pursue justice with integrity and professionalism. “Your actions can either empower or silence a survivor. Be diligent, be fair, and be informed,” she stated.
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