Ministry of Women Affairs, Gombe State creates -Women & Girls’ Centre, "Safe Haven"

Gender-based violence (GBV) the world over has worsened due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of which movement is restricted, people are confined, and protection systems are weakened. Consequently, Women and girls are at greater risk of experiencing gender-based violence and other harmful practices. With the increasing cases of GBV fueled by socio-economic and security challenges in the country, available statistics indicate that 35% of Gombe State women have experienced physical or sexual violence in the past 12 months from either a husband, partner, or relative while about 59.3% of women have experienced physical violence since 15years of age. This has, therefore, necessitated the need for critical stakeholders to take proactive measures in addressing the vulnerability of girls and women through the creation of a “Safe Haven” where they can easily access care, psychosocial support, and protection to recover from injury, trauma and infections caused by gender-based violence.

These spaces support women and girls to recover from violence, form networks, and access support, safety, and opportunities. These are often integrated spaces offering a range of services including resources, information, social networks, essential and discrete clinical care, and sexual reproductive health services. They serve as safe spaces for women and girls in the community, culturally appropriate and tailored to the context. It’s a place where women and girls can go at any time to feel safer and empowered and have access to information, education, recreational activities, support, and services. These spaces support women and girls to recover from violence, form networks, and access support, safety, and opportunities.