DECEMBER 2021 NEWSLETTER

COALITION OF NGOS VISITS VIRGIN HEART FOUNDATION

 CENGO visits Virgin Heart Foundation for a monitoring exercise on evaluation of the organization strength and improvement in capacity development and organizational structures.

Vrgin Heart Foundation with support from #actionaidnigeria held her Quarterly Monitoring Visit with Umuaghara Women Group, Ogbe, Ahiazu Mbaise during peer session.The Women stated reasons why they don’t report cases of violence against women and girls, that anyone who reports , may be indicted for taking affairs of the community outside, and many of these cases are left unreported or heard .The culture of silence is still on the increase in most communities, due to lack of sensitization.The women also mentioned other reasons they don’t report cases, including financial requirements, especially from the police, hospital and court.We outlined ways they can contribute, on organizing to end Violence Against Women and Girls.* By speaking out* Report cases to our Community Women Peer Educators * Ensure Victims are protected and stop victim shaming.* Contribute within themselves to give a victim medical assistance, especially in cases of sexual violence.* Prepare to defend the victims at all times.* Go all out for women who abused by their spouses .Outcomes from our outing was encouraging.One of the women disclosed that lots of Violence Against Women and Girls are perpetrated within the kindred unreported.She said she is willing to report and give evidence on cases of Violence Against Women and Girls henceforth.Virgin Heart Foundation.

 

WOMEN PEACE AND SECURITY; WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN SECURITY DIALOGUE AND PARTICIPATION REDUCE VIOLENCE AGAINST THEM.

PEACE AND SECURITY WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS

Virgin Heart Foundation with support from #actionaidnigeria held one day Dialogue with selected women of Ogbe, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA on ” Women Peace and Security” and changing Socio-Cultural Norms that Exacerbates Violence Against Women and Girls.The Women noted that over the years , women are not brought on the negotiable table where security Issues are discussed.The Women resolved that to address the issue of Inclusive Participation In peace building, Traditional Rulers and Religious body and Political Groups must ensure women are notably represented.RESOLUTION:*Women to Write to the Local Government Chairman, Traditional Rulers and other relevant stakeholders on the need for inclusiveness.* Resolved that women are more vulnerable during Crises, and that insecurity in the community must be addressed.The Women identified that negligence of women peace and security was birthed through Most Socio-Cultural Norms practices in the community.

PEACE AND SECURITY DIALOGUE CONTINUOUS GETTING MORE COMMUNITY LEADERS INVOLVED.

Dialogue meeting on “Women Peace and Security” with Women Leaders, of Ogbenneisii Community, Ahiazu Mbaise.Women Participatory is necessary to end, Violence Against Women/Girls, such that its backed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325(UNSCR1325).#actionaidnigeria

#16THDAYSOFACTIVISM , HUMAN RIGHTS DAY.

To Wrap up the #16daysofActivism2021 , on Human Rights Day, Virgin Heart Foundation was at Global FM, 101.9FM, Aguneze Ahiazu Mbaise to create awareness on some harmful Socio-Cultural Practices that exacerbates Violence against women/ girls.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PERSON WITH DISABILITIES.

#16daysofActivism2021 on International Day for Persons with Disabilities (PWD). VHF met with Women with Disabilities to chat the way for inclusion and changing Socio-Cultural Norms that powers.

YOUTH ORGANIZING TOWARDS ENDING SOCIO-CULTURAL NORMS THAT POWERS VAWG.

Youths organizing on changing Socio-Cultural Norms by promoting Gender equality among students.With support from #actionaidnigeria , we reached out to students of Brilliant Comprehensive School, Ogbenneisii Ahiazu Mbaise LGA on misconception of gender norm or socio- norms.Getting Young people to think differently from their fathers who give little or no regards to females is what we planned to achieved through various activities, like drama, presentations displayed during the event.Some Norms that are been accepted by certain people or group made women vulnerable, unfortunately our children grow up to regard those norms.Young People when properly sensitize can boldly have a conversation about the gender or socio- norms and how it affects women and girls.Virgin Heart Foundation team is building young people who have been armed with a lot of information and in return train others.

RADIO

Quarterly SLOCVAWG Radio Program on Myradio 101.1FM.Support from @actionaidnigeria

ORGANIZING LOCAL VIGILANTE/SECURITY NETWORK ON ENDING VAWG.

One Day Dialogue Meeting with Local Security Officers in Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State on Ending Sociocultural Norms that powers Violence Against Women and Girls.Virgin Heart Foundation is networking various groups, including Vigilante Group to curb Violence against Women and Girls.#actionaidnigeria#slocvawg#womenpeaceandsecurity#FordFoundation#humanrights commission owerri

HURRAY, HAPPY XMAS

On behalf of The Board, Management and Staff, Virgin Heart Foundation, We heartily appreciate our Amazing Women Peer Educators and Community VAWG Responders for their support this one year of #actionaidnigeria#SLOCVAWG Project.With a Merry Heart, We say Happy Christmas to you Lovely Women, for making this journey smooth and successful. #actionaidnigeria#fordfoundation#UNWomen#USAID