By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
Concerned Women International Development Initiative (CWIDI) has called for stronger collaboration with the Benue State Government to protect gender-based violence (GBV) advocates and peer educators from intimidation, threats, and attacks by perpetrators.
Director of Programmes at CWIDI, Bridget Okeke, made the appeal, Thursday, in Makurdi, during an advocacy visit to the Directorate of Citizens’ Rights and Mediation, Ministry of Justice, Makurdi, under the organization’s ongoing project supported by the French Embassy in Nigeria (FEF-CSO Grant).
Represented by CWIDI’s Senior Programme Officer, Becky Gbihi, Okeke explained that the visit is aimed at strengthening partnership with the Directorate to enhance access to justice for survivors of GBV, improve case documentation and referral systems, as well as establish a community-level legal and safety reporting mechanism.
She noted that CWIDI has established and trained a network of peer educators—young women equipped to promote awareness of human rights, survivor protection, and access to legal and health services.
She however, expressed concern that when GBV cases involve influential perpetrators, advocates often face threats and harassment, making institutional backing critical for their safety.
“We want to ensure that our peer educators and advocates can carry out their work without fear of intimidation. With recognition and collaboration from the Directorate, they will be more confident and protected as they support survivors and educate women at the community level,” Okeke said.
Okeke added that CWIDI’s engagement also followed up on earlier discussions with the Ministry to ensure that survivors of GBV, particularly female sex workers, adolescent girls, and other vulnerable women, have stigma-free access to justice and essential health and legal services.
In her advocacy remarks, Gbihi emphasized the need for sustained collaboration to promote legal literacy, public awareness, and survivor-centered justice delivery.
She cited a community case where fear of reprisal initially prevented a rape case involving a local chief from being reported, stressing that sustained advocacy and awareness by CWIDI later encouraged survivors to come forward and seek justice.
Responding, Barr. Sunday Sabe, Deputy Director at the Directorate of Citizens’ Rights and Mediation, commended CWIDI for its continuous advocacy on gender justice.
He assured that the Directorate’s doors remain open to victims of GBV and women facing discrimination, including female sex workers, and that the office would continue to provide free legal aid, counselling, and mediation services.
Sabe also advised that GBV cases resolved at community level should be forwarded to the Directorate for legal review to ensure they are consistent with the law and protect survivors’ rights.
“Civil society organizations like CWIDI play a vital role in bridging institutional services with community realities,” he said.
“We are ready to work closely with CWIDI to strengthen referral systems and ensure timely justice delivery for survivors.”
The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to develop a joint framework for documenting and referring GBV cases, conducting community sensitization on gender rights and justice processes, as well as sustaining policy dialogue to promote women’s safety and equality in Benue State.