Imo First Lady, H.E Barr. Chioma Uzodimma Inaugrates Sexual Assault Referral Center – The Deborah House In Owerri, Lauds H.E. Bisi Fayemi, Others For Support
November 25, 2022, marks a significant turning point in Imo State’s campaign against the heinous issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the State as I formally launched the Imo State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) – The Deborah House. The establishment is located at the Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ISPHCDA), Umuguma, New Owerri.
Launching this center is significant as we begin the global advocacy of 16 days of Activism against Sexual and Gender-based violence.
The establishment of this center is a result of the collective efforts of the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum (NIGWF) which took a stand in advocating for development programs to support sexually-abused women and girls in overcoming the trauma from the menace.
Imo State has excelled in achieving the objectives set forth in the agenda developed for the Nigeria Governors Wives Against Gender-based Violence (NGWA-GBV), one of which is the establishment of referral centers that can lessen the suffering of SGBV survivors.
In this regard, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Former First Lady of Ekiti State, Her Excellency Erelu Bisi Fayemi who attracted support from the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Access Bank, Procter and Gamble among other sources to make this possible.
I also extend my gratitude to my sisters at the NIGWF @ngw_forum, CSOs, Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, volunteers and every member of the 3R Administration for their collective effort and unwavering support, commitment, and advocacy in safeguarding our country’s most vulnerable citizens.
The wonderful event ended with jubilation and entertainment. Our next goal is to increase the numbers of the SGBV service providers at this center with well-reviewed and codified Standard Operating Procedures.
#16DaysofActivism #eliminationofviolenceagainstwomen #endgenderbasedviolence #endrapeculture
#chiomauzodimma #heimostory
Chief Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma.
First Lady, Imo State, and Founder, GoodHope Flourish Foundation.
