By DADA AYOKHAI
FORJAY-OSA Foundation Takes GBV Awareness Campaign to Ovia South West LG
By DADA AYOKHAI
FORJAY-OSA Foundation, a non-profit organization, has launched in collaboration with Ovia South West LGA an awareness campaign to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the local government.
The event was part of FORJAY-OSA Foundation’s ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and reducing GBV in Edo communities.
The awareness drive, held at the council secretariat, aims to educate locals on preventing and addressing violence against women and girls.
The event, attended by women, students, men, and representatives of the LGA chairman, Commissioner for Education, and Women Affairs, and the traditional ruler, featured lectures on understanding GBV, medical and psychosocial support for survivors, and empowerment as a prevention strategy.
Executive Director, FORJAY-OSA Foundation, Ebuwa Omoruyi, in her welcome address said the organization aims to protect dignity, empower the vulnerable, and strengthen communities. “Every individual deserves safety, opportunity, and the freedom to thrive without fear,” she emphasized.
She urged victims to speak out and encouraged participants to engage actively and share insights with their communities when in need.
The chairperson representing the Chairman of Ovia South West LGA Tina Edobor welcomed participants to the one-day event, describing the event as “a deliberate step toward building safer homes, stronger families, and more informed communities”.
She highlighted that gender-based violence is a pressing challenge affecting women, children, and young people, and that silence, stigma, and lack of awareness perpetuate the problem.
“This outreach is our collective response,” she said, adding that the goal is to raise awareness, educate, empower, and strengthen community systems that protect the vulnerable.
The highlight of the ceremony was a lecture series on GBV, featuring experts who shed light on the issue.
Mrs. Eseosa Onebamoi, a gender specialist, explained GBV, its types, and strategies to combat it, highlighting government support services. Dr. Faith Edebor of Vivian GBV Centre discussed medical and psychosocial support for survivors, while Mrs. Valentina Eweka, a social welfare officer, emphasized empowerment as a prevention strategy.
Women and students who attended the event in an interview praised the organizers for equipping them with knowledge to combat GBV .
