News
Nigeria: Protecting populations from gender-based violence
Publié le 11/04/2025 | Temps de lecture : 3 min
For over fourteen years, the Nigerian states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe have been facing an armed conflict that has weakened infrastructures and exacerbated the vulnerability of populations. This situation has led to one of the world’s biggest protection crises, with gender-based violence (GBV) a daily threat.
In response, Première Urgence Internationale runs prevention and awareness-raising programs in local communities, with a significant impact on gender norms and the reduction of gender-based violence (GBV).
Awareness-raising and community involvement
Première Urgence Internationale implements a number of programs aimed at challenging beliefs and behaviors that perpetuate gender inequality and sexual and gender-based violence, and promoting equality.
Among them, the EMAP (Engaging Men through Accountable Practice*) program targets men to raise their awareness of social/gender norms and GBV issues, and encourage them to adopt responsible behaviors
The EMAP program is based on two stages:
- Identification of gender-based violence issues by women’s groups ;
- Reflection sessions with men on their responsibilities and role in the prevention of gender-based violence.
At the same time, Première Urgence Internationale organizes community dialogues and training for local leaders, reinforcing their involvement in the fight against such violence.
Supporting adolescent girls
In a context where adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable, our teams have set up Women and Girls Safe Spaces, offering two specific programs:
- “My Girl Shine”: interactive workshops to boost girls’ self-esteem and leadership skills
- “My Safety, My Wellbeing”: awareness-raising sessions on protection and mental health.
These initiatives enabled participants to better understand their rights, and to be better equipped to prevent and denounce violence. One notable indirect impact has been more sustainable access to education for the adolescent participants.
*Programs EMAP, “My Girl Shine” and “My Safety, My Wellbeing” are developed by The International Rescue Committee.
Encouraging results
After two years of intervention, evaluation of our programs reveals significant progress:
- 48% of men and 82.88% of women surveyed are now aware of support services for survivors of GBV;
- Men’s understanding of GBV increased from 41% to 82%;
- 97.1% of participants believe that the actions carried out have changed their perception of gender equality and the prevention of GBV;
- 69.6% of women say that their participation in family and community decision-making is better recognized.
In parallel with this prevention component, Première Urgence Internationale offers a number of interventions in response to incidents of violence and violation of rights: social support for survivors of GBV, emergency financial assistance, referrals to emergency health services and psychosocial support implemented by Première Urgence Internationale and to other external services (legal assistance, child protection, etc.).
Commitment and adaptation
Thanks to the commitment of communities and approaches adapted to local issues and cultural realities, behaviors are changing. The involvement of men as agents in the prevention of GBV and the empowerment of young girls are proving to be essential levers for building a more egalitarian and protective society.
Through these programs, Première Urgence Internationale pursues its action in favor of the protection and autonomy of women and girls in Nigeria, so that every individual can live in a safer environment that respects their rights.
