Cross River Launches Initiative To Check Gender Violence, Human Trafficking

Cross River State has held a two-day training workshop on Gender Safeguarding and Protection in Calabar to combat human trafficking and gender-based violence in the state.

The workshop, facilitated by Self Help Africa (SHA), brought together security agents, media representatives, persons living with disabilities, officials from various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to develop strategies for promoting a safe and inclusive environment in the state.

A resolution reached at the end of the workshop stated that rights, responsibilities and opportunities of individuals are not dependent on gender, disability, age, race or geographical location.

The communique, signed by Mr Richard Ndoma of LEADERSHIP Newspaper and Mr Ota Udeh of Hit FM Calabar, emphasised that “women are entitled to live in dignity, safety and security,” adding that “gender equality is a fundamental human right essential for peaceful coexistence.”

Participants recognised human trafficking as a global crime exploiting existing gender inequalities, with negative impacts on entire humanity especially women and girls.

The training equipped participants with tools to identify, investigate and assist victims of trafficking and gender-based violence, using gender-responsive and trauma-informed investigation techniques.

Key outcomes include strengthened knowledge of reporting channels and procedures, linkages between duty bearers and the media, and recommendations for strengthening local protection systems and improving data collection.

The stakeholders resolved to become safeguarding champions, creating a platform for sharing information and addressing gender and trafficking-related issues to promote a safe and inclusive environment in Cross River State.