17/10/2025
REPORT ON THREE-DAY TRAINING ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV) AND GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM
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1 * Introduction
NHRC Niger State Office participated in a three-day intensive training on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the Grievance Redress Manual (GRM) organized by the Niger State Planning Commission (NSPC) under the NG-CARES Programme.
The training focused on building the capacity of state officials and implementing partners to effectively apply GBV and grievance redress protocols. It aimed to ensure that all interventions under the NG-CARES programme promote inclusiveness, transparency, and protection for vulnerable individuals—especially survivors of gender-based violence.
*2* . *Objectives*
of *the Training*
The major objectives of the training were to:
1. Strengthen the ability of participants to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
2. Improve understanding and implementation of the grievance redress mechanism (GRM).
3. Promote transparency, accountability, and accessibility in all grievance-handling processes.
4. Deepen participants’ knowledge of the Survivor-Centered Approach, which prioritizes the rights, needs, and well-being of GBV survivors in every response.
5. Encourage coordination among stakeholders to provide comprehensive support to survivors of violence.
*3* . *Moduled Covered*
The training covered several modules, including:
Overview of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Gender Mainstreaming (GM).
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV): causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
The Survivor-Centered Approach to GBV response.
Effective grievance management systems and documentation.
Systematic grievance resolution and communication procedures.
Implementation of the Livelihood Support Programme (LMP) and integration of GBV protection measures.
Special emphasis was placed on the Survivor-Centered Approach, which teaches that every action taken must respect the survivor’s dignity, choices, safety, and confidentiality. We learned that survivors should always be believed, supported, and empowered to make their own decisions. The approach also encourages coordination among service providers such as the police, health workers, social welfare officers, and NGOs to ensure that survivors receive timely and compassionate care.
*4* . *Participants*
The training brought together key representatives from different sectors and organizations, including:
Niger State Planning Commission (NSPC)
Niger State Community and Social Development Agency (NSCSDA)
Health and Social Protection Committee (HSPC)
Nigeria Police Force
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
Media organizations
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
*5* . *Conclusion*
The training was highly educative and impactful. I gained a deeper understanding of gender-based violence, grievance redress mechanisms, and most importantly, the Survivor-Centered Approach.
This approach changed my perception of how survivors should be treated—with empathy, respect, confidentiality, and empowerment. I now understand that the survivor must be at the heart of every response, and their choices must always be respected.
I am committed to applying the knowledge I gained to promote gender equality, protect the rights of survivors, and support efforts aimed at reducing GBV in Niger State and beyond.
