Kano, Nigeria – 9 December 2024 – As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based
Violence (GBV) near their conclusion, Lift Africa Foundation shifts focus to strengthening the
frontline response system. On 9 December, the Foundation conducts a comprehensive capacity
building session for first responders across key sectors and provides recovery and empowerment
kits to survivors of sexual violence.
This dual intervention highlights the Foundation’s commitment to improving the quality of GBV
services while ensuring that survivors receive immediate, practical, and dignity-affirming
support.
Building Trauma-Informed Capacity Across the GBV Response Chain
The training brings together frontline actors including:
- health workers
- counsellors and psychosocial officers
- social welfare officers
- community-based first responders
- legal aid providers
- security personnel
- CSO representatives
The session is designed to improve the quality, coordination and accountability of GBV response
services in Kano.
Core Themes Covered During the Training
- Trauma-Informed Care
First responders are trained to recognise trauma responses, provide safe and non
judgmental support, and avoid practices that retraumatise survivors. - Ethical and Confidential Case Management
Emphasis is placed on survivor consent, confidentiality, data protection and ethical
documentation. - Referral Pathways and Multisector Collaboration
Participants learn how to use standardised referral tools and coordinate with medical,
legal, psychosocial and shelter services. - Child Protection Protocols
Additional guidance is provided on handling disclosures from children and adolescents,
including mandatory reporting requirements and safeguarding procedures. - GBV Legal Frameworks
The session reinforces the urgency of adopting the VAPP Act in Kano to strengthen
prosecution and ensure justice for survivors.
This training strengthens the capacity of frontline workers to respond safely, professionally and
compassionately.
Supporting Survivors with Recovery and Empowerment Kits
Later in the day, Lift Africa Foundation distributes recovery and empowerment kits to 15
survivors of sexual violence, aged 8–35. These kits include:
- essential hygiene supplies
- dignity materials
- clothing
- nutritional support items
- psychosocial support materials
- tools for rebuilding personal confidence
For many survivors, these kits serve as a bridge between emergency care and longer-term
recovery, providing a tangible expression of solidarity and support.
Creating Safe, Survivor-Centred Spaces
During the distribution, survivors receive:
- one-on-one counselling
- guidance on reporting and legal support
- information on available services
- referrals to medical and psychosocial care
- emotional support from trained personnel
The Foundation emphasises that every survivor deserves safety, dignity and justice — and that
comprehensive care must go beyond crisis response to include long-term healing and
empowerment.
Addressing Systemic Gaps in Kano’s GBV Architecture
The activities of 9 December draw attention to systemic limitations that must be urgently
addressed, including:
- inadequate funding for survivor services
- understaffed response centres
- low awareness of legal rights
- inconsistent referral mechanisms
- limited shelters and safe houses
- lack of harmonised VAPP legislation
Lift Africa Foundation highlights these gaps during the training and reinforces the need for
coordinated action across government agencies, traditional structures and civil society.
Lift Africa Foundation’s Commitment
Through the 9 December interventions, Lift Africa Foundation strengthens its commitment to:
- improving GBV response capacity in Kano
- supporting survivors with dignity and care
- equipping frontline workers with essential skills
- advocating for stronger legal and institutional frameworks
- advancing survivor-centered, rights-based protection systems
- ensuring that no survivor is left without support
Lift Africa Foundation’s approach demonstrates that effective GBV advocacy must be matched
with strong systems, trained responders and compassionate practices that prioritize survivor
wellbeing.