The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has empowered no fewer than 800 survivors of gender-based violence within a year in Yobe, the GBV case manager, Musa Muhammed, said on Monday.

“We empowered more than 800 women, mostly survivors of GBV, from September 2021 till date,” Mr Muhammed said at the inauguration of the new “Women and Girls Dignity Centre” established by the agency and other partners in Damaturu.

“We provided them with skills to enable them to earn a living because we realised that poverty is one of the contributing factors to GBV.

“Poverty gives room for sexual exploitation. Many women were exploited due to their vulnerability.”

The GBV case manager added that the centre in Damaturu trained beneficiaries in tailoring, liquid-soap making, and jelly making and offered guidance and counselling and treatment as the case may be.

He explained that the UNFPA was able to assist the GBV survivors with the support of partners, such as Action Health Incorporated,

Care International, and the Yobe Government.

One of the beneficiaries, Aisha Modu, who thanked UNFPA and partners for the assistance and the empowerment, said the gesture assisted in her recovery and reduced the trauma she went through. 

(NAN)