NGO TRAINS 60 PARALEGALS IN ADAMAWA STATE TO COMBAT GENDER- BASED VIOLENCE

By Ibrahim Abubakar Jimeta 

A two-day training session for ,60 paralegals was conducted in Yola North Local Government Area (LGA) And Girei local Government of Adamawa State as part of efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and provide legal support to vulnerable communities. The training, organized by a non-governmental organization in collaboration with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and CARE International, is part of the HARP project funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Speaking during the event, Khadija Shettima, the Protection/GBV Officer at CARE International, highlighted the critical role paralegals play in addressing GBV. "This initiative aims to empower paralegal committees to become key players in raising awareness and providing legal support to survivors of GBV," she stated. The training focused on enhancing participants' knowledge of GBV.  GBV core concept, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), handling GBV disclosures, referral pathways, and the legal frameworks in Adamawa State.

Khadija emphasized that paralegals serve as the first point of contact for survivors of GBV and other rights violations. They act as advisors in community-based mediation services and traditional tribunals, resolving disputes and ensuring justice for survivors. However, she noted that a lack of awareness of GBV laws in many communities continues to impede survivors' access to justice, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity.

During the session, Magistrate Aishatu Hamidun, representing FIDA, outlined the multifaceted roles of paralegals. She emphasized their responsibilities, including record-keeping, conducting legal clinics, building community capacity, advocating for justice, and mediating conflicts.

Additionally, magistrate Aishatu presented on Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, highlighting how these approaches can reduce delays in the justice system and improve access to timely resolutions.

Barrister Fatima Raji provided an overview of the legal frameworks governing citizens' rights, both locally and internationally. She called for increased community support for paralegals, stressing the importance of their collaboration with solicitors and barristers to enhance community well-being.

Participants were drawn from communities within the Yola and Girei metropolis, They were equipped with skills to mediate disputes, provide counseling, and act as a bridge between survivors and formal legal systems.

This initiative marks a significant step towards addressing GBV in Adamawa State, fostering safer communities and ensuring access to justice for survivors.