The Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) recently hosted a strategic Gender-Based Violence (GBV) workshop aimed at strengthening safeguards and enhancing the capacity of Intermediary Service Providers (ISPs) involved in the implementation of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
Held at the De Santos Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, the workshop brought together representatives of the World Bank, FPMU GBV specialists, state project coordinators, and other key stakeholders committed to advancing safety and protection measures within project communities.
The facilitation team comprised the FPMU Gender/GBV Specialist, Joan Sani, the GBV Technical Assistant, Zubaida Bukar, and the World Bank GBV Specialist, Fummi Ayoola. Together, they led sessions on understanding GBV risks, prevention strategies, and the responsibilities of service providers under RAAMP’s safeguard frameworks.
Representing the National Project Coordinator, the Sokoto State Project Coordinator, Engr. Malami Tambuwal, delivered the opening remarks. He emphasized the importance of strategic alignment in achieving RAAMP’s objectives, stating: “Strategic alignment is the backbone of RAAMP’s success.” He also reiterated the project’s firm commitment to mitigating GBV risks and advancing gender equity across all participating states.
Drawing from WHO and UNICEF data, facilitators highlighted disturbing global and national trends, including the fact that one in eight women and girls experience sexual violence before age 18, and 6.3% of workers face harassment in the workplace. These statistics underscored the urgency of strengthening mitigation systems within RAAMP operations.
Participants explored various forms of GBV—physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional—sharing real-life illustrations that reinforced the need for swift, coordinated action.
Key commitments from the workshop included:
- Mandatory GBV Code of Conduct training for all project workers;
- Prioritizing local recruitment to limit exposure to risks;
- Reviewing contractor leave policies to support worker welfare without disrupting project timelines.
- Continuous sensitization and advocacy on GBV issues
The workshop reaffirmed FPMU’s dedication to fostering safe, inclusive, and resilient environments for all project beneficiaries and stakeholders.
Development Communication Unit