BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has concluded a four-day capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening the competence of personnel at the Uromi Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for improved response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.
The training, held at the Lumen Christi Pastoral House, Uromi, in Edo Central Senatorial District, brought together key stakeholders and frontline responders, including medical officers, counsellors, police officers, social workers, and community-based advocates engaged in the fight against SGBV.
Participants were trained on the legal, forensic, psychosocial, and ethical dimensions of responding to sexual and gender-based violence, with sessions emphasizing survivor-centred approaches, confidentiality, accountability, and coordination among response agencies.
Declaring the training open, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Idaomi, represented by the Gender-Based Violence Desk Officer, Mrs. Eseosa Onebamoi, lauded the participants for their active involvement, describing the exercise as a strategic step toward improving the effectiveness of the Uromi SARC and strengthening Edo State’s institutional response to gender-based violence.
“Your dedication to learning and improving your skills forms the foundation for a stronger, more coordinated response to gender-based violence,” Chief Idaomi said.
“Let the knowledge you have gained translate into compassionate and professional service delivery for women, children, and other vulnerable persons who depend on us in their darkest moments.”
She reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and children, adding that the Okpebholo-led administration will continue to prioritize the empowerment of SARC personnel and the expansion of response centres across the state.
Chief Idaomi also commended IOM for its technical and logistical support, describing the collaboration as a reflection of the “shared vision to build a safer and more equitable society for all.”
In her presentation, IOM Counter-Trafficking Project Assistant and Gender Focal Person, Mrs. Ayo Amen Ediae, facilitated an engaging session on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH), urging participants to uphold the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.
“Survivors must be met with empathy and respect at every stage of the response process,” she said, stressing the importance of maintaining confidentiality and creating safe spaces where victims can heal without fear or stigma.
Other facilitators led technical sessions on critical subjects such as the Concept and Dynamics of Gender-Based Violence, Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, Child Rights Law (CRL), Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Law, Operational Framework of SARCs, Forensic Examination and Evidence Collection, and Prosecution of SGBV Cases.
Participants also received hands-on training on Expert Testimony and Court Procedures, designed to equip them with courtroom skills for presenting evidence and providing expert opinions that support successful prosecution of offenders.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, one of the trainees, Mrs. Roseline Igbinovia, expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government and IOM for organizing the programme, noting that the knowledge gained would greatly improve their work at the Uromi SARC.
“We now understand better how to document evidence, support survivors emotionally, and work with law enforcement and judicial officers to ensure justice is served,” she said.
