In a strategic move to bolster grassroots impact, the Enugu State Care Coordinating Unit (SCCU) under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) recently hosted a vital step-down training focused on the NG-CARES Grievance Mechanism and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The intensive session brought together core staff from the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), FADAMA, State Operations and Coordinating Unit (SOCU), and Enugu SME Center.
The training serves as a cornerstone for the state’s mission to refine grievance handling, champion gender equity, and the transition from NG-CARES 1.0 to 2.0, with emphasis on outcome-based implementation and long-term resilience building. By strengthening institutional capacity today, the programme ensures more transparent and effective delivery for the people of Enugu tomorrow.
The Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning who also serves as the Chairman State CARES Steering Committee (SCSC) set the tone with a compelling opening address. He commended the facilitators for their dedication and acknowledged the continued support of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, towards NG-CARES interventions. He also specially praised the State CARES Coordinating Unit for their consistency and commitment, particularly in ensuring the timely preparation and submission of programme reports, which he noted as critical to sustaining programme credibility and performance. He urged participants to remain committed to effective reporting, safeguarding, and accountability.
The National Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr. AbdulkarimAli Obaje, was represented by Chief Mrs. Elendu, who highlighted the programme’s nationwide impact and commended Enugu State for its outstanding dedication to the programme. In her goodwill message, she noted that Enugu State stands out as the only state that has sponsored this kind of training and facilitators entirely with its own resources, demonstrating exceptional ownership, commitment, and political will. She further applauded the State Government for prioritizing programme sustainability and community development.
She also emphasized the importance of social registries, compliance with operational manuals, and adherence to programme guidelines, while commending Enugu State for its strong performance and accountability culture.
Key sessions focused on gender and social inclusion, including concepts of sex and gender, gender roles, power relations, and stereotypes. Participants were sensitized on gender identity, cultural influences, and the importance of equity in development programming. The training also addressed the Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality and the need for inclusive policies.
Extensive attention was given to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), and Sexual Harassment (SH). Participants were trained on identifying risk factors, harmful social norms, forms and impacts of GBV, and appropriate mitigation measures. Emphasis was placed on sensitization, survivor support services, confidentiality, and referral systems.
The survivor-centered approach formed a major component of the training. Facilitators highlighted the principles of confidentiality, safety, non-discrimination, and respect, as well as the importance of informed consent and effective communication in handling cases. Participants were guided on proper listening skills, ethical conduct, and professional response protocols.
Other sessions addressed risk management, occupational safety, and social safeguarding within NG-CARES activities. Participants were introduced to gender-responsive budgeting and gender mainstreaming, with emphasis on promoting equity, transparency, and accountability in public finance management.
The grievance mechanism framework was extensively discussed, covering objectives, procedures, documentation, escalation processes, reporting channels, and timelines. Participants were trained on the roles and responsibilities of Grievance Redress Committees, conflict resolution strategies, stakeholder engagement, and community-based grievance handling structures.
Legal and policy frameworks supporting grievance management were also reviewed, including relevant constitutional provisions, national laws, and institutional policies. These were presented as essential tools for ensuring fairness, transparency, accountability, and protection of vulnerable groups.
Furthermore, sessions on monitoring and evaluation, documentation, record-keeping, and data protection emphasized the importance of accurate reporting, confidentiality, and continuous learning. Participants were trained on the use of grievance registers, reporting forms, logbooks, and progress reports to support effective programme management.
The training was facilitated by a team of seasoned resource persons from the NG-CARES family, nominated by the Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU). The facilitators included Chief Mrs. Elendu, Mrs. Lucy Njoku, Mr. Emisho Ashama, Mrs. Ihie Adanna Oke, Mrs. Gladden Orji, and Mrs. Tokoni George. Their depth of knowledge, professionalism, and engaging delivery greatly enhanced participants’ understanding and contributed significantly to the overall success of the programme.
The training concluded with closing remarks by the Head of the State Care Coordinating Unit, who expressed appreciation to the facilitators and participants for their commitment and active participation. He reaffirmed the SCCU’s dedication to strengthening grievance management systems, promoting gender equity, and ensuring effective implementation of the NG-CARES Programme in Enugu State.