In an apparent testament to resilience, women from Daudu Camp II in Benue State have come together to share their experiences of financial abuse and gender-based violence (GBV) in a safe space session organised by the Centre for Redefining Alternative Civic Engagement for Africa (RACE Centre) in collaboration with the Gender and Environmental Risk Reduction Initiative (GERI), with support from the French Embassy in Nigeria. The initiative aims to empower survivors and equip them with essential tools for recovery and economic stability.
One participant candidly revealed, “I have been a victim of financial abuse; my spouse collects all the money I earn and leaves my children and me stranded.” However, she expressed newfound hope, stating, “Through this safe space session, I am now equipped with valuable information to identify signs of financial abuse and report cases to FIDA.”
During the session, discussions centred on financial abuse and how to report incidents of gender-based violence (GBV). Barrister Blessing Ityohuun of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) provided guidance on state legal provisions protecting women against financial abuse and urged participants to seek support and report any violations.
Evelyn Ugbe, the Executive Director of RACE Centre, led an engaging discussion on effective business management. She emphasised the importance of customer relations, marketing, and product visibility.
“A safe space is a confidential environment where women can share experiences freely without fear of judgment or gossip,” she explained, urging participants to take advantage of available support systems and promptly report incidents of Gender Based Violence.
During the interactive session, women from different training cohorts shared insights on managing and marketing their small businesses. The atmosphere was both practical and inspiring, as participants exchanged ideas on product sales, reinvestment, and collaboration, fostering a sense of community and support.
Ityohuun led a discussion on women’s rights. She explained FIDA’s mission to promote, protect, and defend the rights of women and children. She encouraged participants to reach out for legal support whenever needed and reminded them that mutual respect is crucial in relationships. She also shared valuable advice on financial discipline and management, providing FIDA fliers and a hotline number to facilitate access to legal assistance.
Ugbe highlighted the need for a local response mechanism within the camp. She noted that survivors in rural or displaced communities often face delays in accessing services, which are typically centralised at the state level.
“Having a local response point would make it easier for survivors to access immediate help,” she asserted.
Shortly after the safe space session, representatives from Terres des Hommes (TDH) and the Foundation for Justice, Development and Peace (FJDP) visited the camp as a show of solidarity. They introduced a new project in collaboration with the Crisis and Support Centre (CDCS) of the French government, aimed at further supporting vulnerable communities.
A representative for TDH Nigeria, Iniobong Benjamin Idem, Deputy Coordinator for Operations, praised the women for their resilience and creativity, stating, “It shows that the project is working. We believe there is more to come, and we will continue to work together to support vulnerable women and communities.”
Briefly after the representatives spoke, Stephanie Temang, Deputy Executive Director and Gender Focal Point for GERI, thanked the delegation on behalf of the implementing partners. She appreciated their camaraderie and support for women’s empowerment initiatives and highlighted GERI and RACE Africa’s commitment to working closely with the participants to achieve the project’s objectives, strengthen livelihoods, and continue fostering safe spaces for women in conflict-affected communities.
The session concluded on a joyful note as participants celebrated their achievements through songs and dance, expressing gratitude for the support received. Visitors joined in the festivities, purchasing items from the women’s businesses as a demonstration of solidarity.
The Promoting Women Economic Resilience in Conflict Affected communities (POWER) project continues to provide essential skills training, psychosocial support, and economic empowerment for women in the Daudu host community and the Daudu II Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp. Through initiatives like these safe space sessions, the project promotes healing, resilience, and inclusion among women affected by conflict.
In a world where many women face significant challenges, the safe space in Daudu Camp stands as a beacon of hope, fostering empowerment and community support.