Sister guardian Initiative
A program that was intended to promote gender equality
Introduction
Sister Guardian Initiative (SGI) is an SSDO funded project that focuses on building community structures to support victims of VAW, while advocating for institutional deterrence against the practice. The initiative is operational in 17 communities in Enugu and Anambra states and operates by identifying women willing to ‘stand up for’ for other women facing abuse especially but not restricted to domestic violence.
These set of women are trained to provide a range of services to female victims of violence. The services include counseling, conflict resolution and mediation, provision of safe houses, and referrals to health and law enforcement agencies. They also routinely engage in community sensitization on VAW and community-based advocacy aimed at effecting the institutionalization of local policies and bye laws to deter acts of VAW.
Project focus
Advocacy
To advocate for institutional deterrence against violence against women
Counselling
To provide immediate support to women facing violence through counseling and mediation.
Temporary shelter
To provide temporary shelters for women facing violence
Referral Services
To refer victims of violence to law enforcement agencies, health facilities or legal representatives when needed.
Activities
Capacity Building
The Sister Guardian Initiative conducts various capacity building sessions. The women are being exposed to the knowledge on women’s right and the law, their role in politics, how they can generate income and also maintaining good mental and physical health.
Monthly Meetings
The Sister Guardian women in all communities observe monthly meetings to discuss their achievements, challenges and way forward. They also entertain fresh domestic violence cases on such days from complainants.
Advocacy Meetings
The Sister Guardian Women often embark on community advocacy to promote the cessation of Gender Based Violence in their communities.
International women's day
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The Sister Guardian women join women all over the world to commemorate the March 8, International Women’s Day. Such opportunities are used to advocate for community development programs.
16 days of activism
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.This is commemorated annually by the women through road walks, outreaches, advocacy visits and community development projects.
activity Photos
Some of the Moments
Women standing up for other women facing domestic violence and other forms of abuse