Rivers Moves to Develop Standard Operating Procedure for GBV Response
The Rivers State Government has begun steps towards developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to strengthen the prevention of and response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the state.
The initiative is being led by the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD), in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation.
The move was discussed during a fact-finding meeting organised by CEHRD and the Ministry to examine existing GBV response mechanisms, clarify the roles of relevant stakeholders and identify gaps that may be limiting effective intervention.
Speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, said the proposed SOP would provide a clearer framework for collaboration among government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
She noted that a coordinated approach would help reduce duplication of efforts and ensure that survivors receive timely and appropriate support.
Davies-Dimkpa also stressed the importance of taking GBV interventions closer to communities. According to her, the Ministry is strengthening sensitisation activities through its zonal offices and working with religious, traditional and community leaders to improve awareness and encourage reporting.
She acknowledged that the Ministry does not yet have full coverage across all 23 local government areas but said efforts were underway to expand its reach.
The Permanent Secretary further noted that fear, cultural practices, intimidation and lack of awareness can prevent victims and survivors from speaking out. She therefore encouraged residents to report cases of GBV whenever they experience or witness them.
She also called for stronger involvement of religious leaders, particularly because of their influence within communities and their potential role in challenging harmful practices and promoting the protection of women and children.
The Project Lead of CEHRD, Josiah Egbilika, said the fact-finding exercise was designed to map the responsibilities of different stakeholders, identify gaps in existing interventions and strengthen collaboration.
He explained that the information gathered would inform the drafting of the Rivers State SOP, which would subsequently undergo technical review and validation by relevant institutions.
According to Egbilika, the validation process would also help ensure that responsibilities assigned to different institutions fall within their respective mandates, with duties outside an institution’s mandate reassigned to the appropriate agency.
The process is expected to culminate in the launch of the Rivers State Standard Operating Procedure for the Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence.
Representatives of the Ministries of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Health, Justice, Women Affairs and Education participated in the meeting, alongside civil society organisations, NGOs, security agencies, human rights institutions, and religious and traditional institutions involved in GBV response.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to strengthen coordination and build a more effective, state-wide response to Gender-Based Violence in Rivers State.
