The Founder of the Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE) an NGO, Mrs Betty Abah has called for the establishment of more shelters for victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Abah made the call on Monday at the inauguration of the Hearts of Hope Shelter, a project initiated by CEE-HOPE and Hearts 100, an international body in Lagos on Monday.
She said the advent of COVID-19 led to a global spike in gender-based violence.
According to her, an ongoing research by leading GBV response organisation, Project Alert, found that there were less than 20 women shelters in the country.
“As we all know, COVID-19 has come, not only as a killer of humans and destroyer of global economy but it has also led to a global spike of GBV.
“Gender-based violence was a major issue during the COVID-19-induced lockdown because most partners found it hard to manage pressure.
“We have less than 20 shelters in the country and according to the research carried out by Project Alert, these shelters are managed and run by private organisations and religious body.
“Where then do threatened women run when their lives are in danger and girls who experience serial rape incidence run to for help.
“If Canada and the United Kingdom have 400 and 300 shelters respectively, while Nigeria with a larger population of 200 million can only boast of 20 shelters, then that is a major problem.
“This is, therefore, a clarion call to the government at all levels and private individuals and organisations to take the need for setting up shelters as a major priority,” she said.
Abah said the newly-inaugurated shelter would provide temporary accommodation, psychosocial support and empowerment for women and girls who needed support.
The founder commended Hearts100 for partnering with CEE-HOPE to provide the needed solace for women and girls.
Dr Nnimmo Bassey, Representative of Heart100 who inaugurated the shelter, said the organisation was founded in 2020 by three international women of repute to support vulnerable women and girls globally.
Bassey who is also the Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, commended CEE-HOPE for helping vulnerable women and girls in the society.
“I must commend Betty; she is indeed a source of inspiration and her commitment to helping vulnerable women and girls is worthy of emulation.
“This shelter will have a big impact because it will not just serve as a roof over their head, it’s a place that will help them push forward in life,” he said.
