Ughelli South and Sapele LGA in Delta State have the highest rate of domestic violence and Violence Affecting Women and Girls (VAWG) for the Month of September according to the Peace map data report from PIND. A man reportedly killed his brother for having sexual relationship with his wife while a girl was reportedly found dead in a hotel in Amukpe Sapele LGA over infidelity. During the same month of September, the corpse of a girl was found in a pool of blood in a farm in Ogorode, Sapele LGA. The girl was reportedly stabbed to death by unknown assailants. In a separate incident, an Inspector of Police was reportedly killed in a gun battle with herdsmen in Uvwiamughe community, Ughelli North LGA. Furthermore the report also indicated a high rate physical, psychological and sexual violence among other harmful cultural practices that limit women participation in community governance and decision-making in Sapele LGA of Delta State. Report from the Gender Justice Platform revealed that only in the Month of September there were 12cases of Rape/ Defilement/Molestation, 21 cases of Domestic Violence and 9 incidences of Brutal Physical Violence in Afiesere, Evwreni and Ivwrorode communities were allegedly reported. Some perpetuators have being arrested while others charge to court for trial. In Ivwrorode community in Ughelli North women were restricted from being part of a committee constituted for employment, this sparked protest from the women, as there were said to have marched to the president general for inclusion.

To support the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the Human Rights Day, Global Women for Quality and Sustainable Development and Gender Justice Joint Venture with support from PIND Foundation undertook 16 Days of Activism to campaign against Gender-Based Violence under the UN Women 2019 theme: “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape!”. 

Actions were galvanized to end violence against women and girls with emphasis on inclusive participation of women and girls in community governance, child molestation, rape and gang raping. The action sparked conversation on the need for inclusive, proactive and sustainable actions by stakeholders to prevent and end rape, accelerate transformative gains for women and girls in the society. Messages were focused on addressing impunity, silence and stigma, which are key problems that have allowed violence against women to escalate to pandemic proportions and create opportunities for the voices of survivors and activists through campaigns and dialogue sessions.

The action undertook Advocacy, Consultative and Engagement meetings with state and non-state actors, stakeholders from Ughelli South Local Government council, political elites and influential persons to discuss and strategize on better means to address and reduce cases of rape and other GBV in Delta State and also to create opportunities for survivors to share their experiences. Participants included Human Rights and Public Affairs Defense unit in the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Federation of Women Lawyers, Nigeria Bar Association, Faith Based Organizations, women and youth groups, PTA, traditional leaders, LGA leaders, councilors, Market Women Association, Road Transport Workers Association, Media and People Living with Disabilities.

Awareness was raised through sensitizations in secondary schools (2 secondary Schools), Radio programs at KPOKO 100.5FM and roundtable meetings to encourage people to act as active Standbys and report cases of rape to the appropriate authorities.  Messages were further communicated through banner-Shirts and face caps with the theme inscribed on it: Campaign Against Gender Based Violence, Orange the world; Stand Against Rape. The program encouraged reporting of rape cases and child abuse to the appropriate authorities for actions to be taken against perpetuators in according with the provisions of the law.