On Saturday, 16th March 2024, the GoldHeart Foundation with the Omonola Blessing Foundation, with the support of Bet9ja Foundation, organized a two-day Guardianship and Leadership Training focused on addressing gender-based violence. The event took place simultaneously in Ekiti and Kaduna State.

During the training, Ms. Omotunde Blessing Tolulope, a renowned expert in the field, led a session on “Introduction to ending violence against women and girls.” She provided a comprehensive understanding of gender-based violence (GBV), with a specific emphasis on online gender-based violence. Participants gained valuable insights into the various forms of violence faced by women and girls in the digital sphere.

Our esteemed Executive Director, Dowole Gold Moyinoluwa, took charge of a session centered on image-based sexual abuse and digital safety. She explained the concept in detail, shedding light on the importance of safeguarding personal information and staying vigilant against online threats. Participants left the session equipped with practical strategies to protect themselves and others from digital harm.

The event was graced by the presence of the Executive Director of Disability Not A Barrier Initiative, who showed his solidarity with our organization’s mission. He delivered an inspiring speech, urging participants to embrace inclusivity in all their endeavors. His words resonated deeply with the attendees, motivating them to strive for a society that values and respects the rights of all individuals.

Ayobami, a remarkable individual who is visually impaired, shared her personal experiences during the training. She shed light on the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities and emphasized the significance of using appropriate terminology when addressing them. Her insightful discussion provided a valuable perspective and encouraged participants to foster a more inclusive and accessible environment.

To encourage collaboration and maximize learning, participants were divided into two syndicates. They engaged in group discussions on how to ensure the safety of children and young people in the online world. Through these interactive sessions, participants exchanged ideas and strategies on fostering a safer digital environment for the next generation.

The training proved to be a highly enlightening and impactful experience. Participants walked away with a deeper understanding of gender-based violence and the tools necessary to combat it effectively.