In a powerful stride toward promoting safety, equity, and empowerment, the SDYEE Initiative carried out a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Sensitization Campaign in Dutse Alhaji, a suburban community within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The outreach, held as part of SDYEEI’s ongoing “Voices for Change” project, brought together youth, women, community leaders, and local institutions in a unified call to end all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls.
The sensitization exercise was designed to raise awareness on the prevention, reporting, and response to gender-based violence, while also empowering victims and community members to speak out and seek justice.
The event featured a mix of interactive sessions, drama presentations, open discussions, and empowerment talks. SDYEEI facilitators engaged participants on:
- Understanding what constitutes gender-based violence (physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse).
- The role of community members in preventing abuse.
- Accessing legal and psychosocial support services.
- Encouraging dialogue around gender equality and respect for women’s rights.
The session also included distributions of informational flyers, one-on-one counseling sessions, and community pledge declarations — where participants publicly committed to promoting a violence-free society.
“We believe that education and conversation are the first steps toward transformation. By bringing this message directly to local communities, we’re not just creating awareness — we’re building resilience, understanding, and support systems that can save lives,”
— Miss Splendour Onuma, Executive Director, SDYEE Initiative.
The sensitization recorded a moderate but highly engaged turnout, with a mix of youth, women, local traders, and community representatives in attendance. The discussions were honest and heartfelt, with many participants expressing how the session helped them better understand what constitutes abuse and how to intervene constructively.
Several participants shared personal experiences and committed to serving as advocates against GBV in their circles. Many described the event as “eye-opening” and “life-changing.”
Testimonials
“For a long time, we didn’t know what to call some of these issues our women face at home. Today, we’ve learned that silence supports abuse, and that must stop. We are grateful to SDYEEI for bringing this knowledge to us.”
— Chief Musa Aliyu, Community Leader, Dutse Alhaji.
“This sensitization has opened our eyes. Now we know we can report cases, we know where to go, and we understand that everyone — men and women — has a role to play in ending violence.”
— Aisha Ibrahim, Participant and Local Women Leader.
“I commend the SDYEE Initiative for reaching out to our community. What you’ve started here is more than a campaign — it’s a movement for safety and dignity.”
— Pastor Daniel Nwosu, Youth Mentor and Faith Representative.The Dutse Alhaji sensitization not only raised awareness but also sparked the formation of a local community task group, supported by SDYEEI, to monitor and report gender-based violence cases. The initiative plans to extend similar programs to other communities within the FCT, focusing on grassroots advocacy, survivor support, and policy engagement.
“Real impact begins when communities take ownership of the change. Our mission is to empower them with the tools, knowledge, and courage to act,”
— Miss Splendour Onuma, SDYEEI.
The SDYEE Initiative continues to be a beacon of hope, compassion, and transformation. Through its gender-focused projects, the organization is creating safe spaces, amplifying voices, and shaping a future where every woman and girl lives free from violence and fear.
