A stakeholder engagement forum held on Tuesday, 17th June, 2025 at Oluku School Community underscored the critical role of consultation and community participation in combating gender‑based violence (GBV) in schools and surrounding communities across Edo State.
The forum, convened by the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in partnership with the World Bank, brought together community leaders and the school based management committee (SBMC) to deliberate on the Violence Against Learners Response System and the Grievance Redress Mechanism.
“My reason for coming is to access the success so far recorded in the reportage of GBV cases particularly adults and girls in schools in the state and to see how it can be refined and used to model other states explained Dr. Asmau Leo, the World Bank’s GBV consultant. “We’ve learned that projects conceived without genuine community input are unlikely to succeed.”
At Oluku, Dr. Leo delivered an in‑depth presentation on the various forms of GBV; physical, emotional, sexual, and economic and urged community leaders to establish clear, sensitive reporting mechanisms. Emphasizing that boys and men can also be victims, she called for comprehensive awareness campaigns to ensure all survivors feel empowered to report incidents.
Following the community forum, the delegation visited Itohan Girls’ Grammar School, where students took part in interactive sessions on recognizing GBV, understanding their rights, and identifying safe channels for reporting. Teachers received parallel training on implementing a confidential, school‑based reporting system and responding promptly to disclosures.
The day’s activities culminated with a tour of the Edo State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). Dr. Leo and the SUBEB team were guided through the centre’s counseling, medical, and legal support departments, gaining insight into the multidisciplinary care available to survivors.
Dr. Leo was officially received at the SUBEB Secretariat by Mrs. Ada Oluku, Board Secretary, on behalf of SUBEB Chairman Hon. Sonia Ebanehita. Mrs. Oluku welcomed the World Bank delegation and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to strengthening GBV response mechanisms across all schools in Edo State.
Looking ahead, Edo State officials pledged to continue community consultations as they refine and expand the GBV response initiative, ensuring that every learner can pursue their education in a safe and supportive environment.
