On September 18, 2024, the SuperTouch Kindness Foundation (SKF), in partnership with the Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF), hosted a community dialogue at DABNA Hotel in Hong LGA focused on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) referral pathways for Persons with Disabilities. The event aimed to raise awareness, identify challenges, and gather community input to create more accessible and effective referral systems. Key presentations highlighted the importance of disability inclusion in GBV services, the integration of multidisciplinary support, and the intersectionality of discrimination. Participants engaged in group discussions, generating solutions such as mobile GBV support teams, disability-friendly centers, and the involvement of local leaders to combat stigma.
The dialogue yielded significant outcomes, including enhanced understanding of the unique challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities in accessing GBV services and a commitment from community leaders to improve accessibility. A working group was established to follow up on recommendations for implementing inclusive practices. Challenges identified included physical inaccessibility of support centers and social stigma hindering reporting. Recommendations emphasized the need for ongoing community awareness programs, improved accessibility, capacity building for local leaders, and stronger reporting mechanisms to support Persons with Disabilities in addressing GBV.
PROJECT TITLE:
Strengthening Disability Inclusion-GBV Responses, Mitigation and SRH services through Community Based Action Team (COMBAT) in Michika, Mubi North and Hong LGAs of Adamawa State.
