November 05, (THEWILL) – A Bayelsa-based gender advocacy group, Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) led by its Chairman, Barr. Dise Goddy Harry, has visited the Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state to intensify sensitization campaigns against illicit sexual acts including homosexuality, sodomy and prostitution.
The GRIT, while at the Ox Bow lake IDP camp, educated the children, youths and women on illicit sexual acts, and also give out sanitary pads to teenage girls and women.
Speaking during the campaign, Barr. Dise Goddy Harry urged residents of the camps, particularly the underaged to protect themselves against sexual violation, solicitation and violence, urging them to speak out if violated by anyone within and outside the IDP camps. “we have observed that during an emergency gathering of people such as IDP camps, there are worrisome rise in illicit sexual acts and violation. We are here to educate them and urge them to “Tell” if violated.”
She also commended the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for the orderly nature of the IDP camps and the display of capacity to organise the state and the victims of the flood to a safer and more conducive environment during the humanitarian disaster.
She also stated that this sensitization will be a continuous one for the IDP camps in the state.
Also speaking, Vice Chairman of GRIT and Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Bayelsa State chapter, Comrade Maria Olodi – Osumah, also urged the residents of the IDP camps not to be cowed by the threats of violence or death after they are violated, “But that they should reach out to the various gender advocacy groups or the Police to report such violation.”
In her submission, the IDP Coordinator and Member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Koku Obiyah Ebiowou (Yenagoa 3), expressed concern over recent observations in the camp and commended the Gender Advocacy group over the sensitization visit to educate residents of the camp.
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