Women in some identified rural areas of Rivers State under study have manifested depression and trauma syndromes caused by sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Experts working on the subject said violence ranging from physical to emotional, economic, or digital, has destroyed families, eroded confidence, and weakened communities.
The report was unveiled as part of 2025 annual report by the Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi) which was on HELDi’s commemoration of the 16 days of activism against violence on women and girls.
This was part of the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls’ celebrated globally every year in November. It also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism, which runs until 10 December.
HELDi said in 2025, the global theme was ‘UNiTE! To End All Forms of Digital Violence Against Women and Girls’, and the group said it actively commemorated the 16 days with a series of strategic, community driven activities aimed at raising awareness, promoting prevention, and strengthening responses to all forms of violence against women and girls.
Utin who welcomed participants under what she described as ‘One umbrella of shared responsibility,’ spoke extensively on the psychological consequences of violence, including depression, trauma, and stigmatization, and called for increased access to trauma healing and psychosocial support.
She further encouraged immediate reporting of abuse and reminded participants of the availability of the Eleme SGBV Response Team, stressing that when perpetrators are appropriately sanctioned, incidents of violence can be significantly reduced.
The monarch of the area and the chiefs invited Utin to further sensitize the Eleme Council of women chiefs, in line with commitments made during HELDi’s earlier advocacy visit.
Community members openly shared their experiences and concerns during dialogue sessions. Many participants raised issues related to indecent dressing among young girls and women, beginning from the market sensitization, expressing fears about exposure to risky behaviors.
The women chiefs were said to have received the message with appreciation and pledged their full support, committing to cascade the sensitization messages to their respective communities.
Evelyn Ada Gokpa of the Council of Women Chiefs also offered prayers for HELDi and its leadership in recognition of the organization’s work in Eleme LGA.
Israel Abbey, a chief, blamed poor and ineffective parenting as causes of the violence and gender-based abuses in society. He said inadequate supervision of children increases their vulnerability to abuse. These discussions created space for honest reflection on shared responsibility within families and communities.
In the market sessions, it was stated, issues often discussed in whispers were addressed openly. The daily burdens faced by women including unpaid labor, emotional pressure, and overwhelming responsibilities were acknowledged.
Participants were said to have discussed how limited emotional and practical support from men can contribute to stress, conflict, and unhealthy family environments.
The team spoke firmly against sexual abuse, condemning acts such as the abuse of children, house helps, and young girls, while also cautioning against the mistreatment of domestic workers. The overarching message emphasized the protection of children, respect for women, and dignity for all human beings.
The report said HELDi’s activities commenced on November 25, 2025 with a video display to officially kick start the campaign. This was followed by daily media awareness activities, including the circulation of flyers carrying key messages for each of the 16 days across various media platforms. In addition, the Coordinator of HELDi joined other activists and advocates on radio broadcast to sensitize the general public on the year’s theme, with a strong focus on the rising threat of digital violence and the need for collective action.
On December 5, 2025, the HELDi team conducted a large scale sensitization outreach in Eleme Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State as part of the 16 Days of Activism. The outreach was highly engaging and impactful, featuring sensitization activities in the market, along major streets, and during a community engagement session. Over 100 participants, including traditional leaders, men, women, youth, adolescents, and persons with disabilities from ten major communities in Eleme LGA, were mobilized for the programme, which culminated in a community gathering at Liquid Gold Hotel, Eleme LGA.
The sensitization was facilitated by young and passionate advocates, including Gift Meelubari, Patricia Barileloo, Elizabeth Onyewuchi, and the Coordinator of HELDi, Utin. Members of the Eleme Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Response Team, relevant regulators, community coordinators, and several community members including representatives of the Muslim community, and some people who joined them from the market actively participated throughout the exercise, from the market sensitization through the road walk to the final community engagement.
Utin said: “Sessions were delivered in English, Pidgin English, and the local Eleme dialect to ensure inclusiveness, clarity, and full participation by all community members.
“The sensitization began at the largest and busiest market in Eleme LGA, drawing the attention of traders, buyers, residents, and passersby. From the market, the team embarked on a road walk, engaging the public with brief but powerful messages and placard displays promoting zero tolerance for violence and encouraging survivors to seek help. The outreach concluded with a community engagement session at Liquid Gold Hotel, where deeper conversations were held.”
The 2025 theme on digital violence was strongly emphasized, with Patricia Barileloo leading sessions on the various forms of violence and the growing dangers associated with digital devices. Participants were educated on how phones and online platforms, though useful, are increasingly misused for threats, manipulation, cyberbullying, and non-consensual sharing of images, often with devastating consequences for women and girls. The risks associated with digital violence were clearly explained, and hotline numbers for both HELDi and government response services were shared.
During the community engagement, Barileloo and Abbey jointly delivered messages highlighting the impact of patriarchy, digital violence, emotional and physical abuse, and child protection.
Drawing from real-life experiences, Barileloo emphasized that silence perpetuates harm and reminded participants that preserving one’s life and mental wellbeing was more important than remaining in violent or harmful relationships.
The Chief (Abbey) reinforced the importance of mutual respect between men and women, emphasizing that the protection and safety of children must begin at home. Both speakers encouraged emotional healing, informed decision-making, and the courage to speak out, urging participants to cascade the lessons learned to their communities.
At this point, Patience Osaroejiji, a committed community-based organization member, addressed the increasing cases of child defilement, noting that perpetrators are often close relatives or trusted individuals.
She also spoke on abusive marriages, harmful cultural norms that portray women as property, and the use of digital tools for emotional manipulation and control.
Read also: Turning silence into search: How search of missing persons gives families a voice
She encouraged women to prioritize their safety and wellbeing and to walk away from relationships that threaten their lives. She further emphasized the importance of mutual respect within relationships, noting that healthy communication, understanding, and shared responsibility between partners can reduce conflict and foster peaceful homes, while also stressing that no form of abuse is ever justified.
Gift Meelubari introduced participants to the philosophy of Ubuntu, “I am because you are” highlighting the importance of raising boys and girls with equal love, discipline, and emotional guidance. She cautioned young girls on digital safety, advising them not to confuse trust with carelessness, and informed participants about relevant legal provisions, including penalties and prison terms for perpetrators of violence.
During interactive sessions, participants shared personal experiences, including cases of child sexual abuse, neglect, and harmful cultural practices. A short drama performed by teenagers illustrated the emotional pressures faced by young people in the digital age and the risks that can lead to abuse, reinforcing the need for parental attentiveness, guidance, and open communication. Participants consistently emphasized the importance of raising boys and girls equally, noting that balanced upbringing contributes to healthier families and communities.
The sensitization concluded with closing remarks by Utin, who thanked participants for their openness and urged them to become advocates for safety, dignity, and justice within their homes and communities.
HELDi said they also joined the global community on December 10, 2025, to commemorate World Human Rights Day under the theme Human Rights Are Everyday Essentials.
Following the sensitization exercise, HELDi said it has continued to receive numerous calls from women reporting ongoing abuse affecting both themselves and their children. In response, the HELDi team, working through the already established Eleme Community SGBV Response Team, has been providing support, referrals, and follow-up assistance.
Healthy Life Development Initiative says it remains steadfast in its commitment to building safe, inclusive, and resilient communities where women and girls can live, grow, and thrive both online and offline, free from fear, violence, and discrimination. The combination of indoor and outdoor sensitization activities was implemented following a request by the Vice Chairman of Eleme LGA (Virtue Y. Ekee), during an earlier advocacy visit on SGBV response teams, psychosocial support, and safe spaces for survivors.
Utin said: “HELDi sincerely appreciates the support of all individuals and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event.”
