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… participants get business grants, clothing, food items at the event
Survivors of gender-based violence gathered at the second annual “Goody Time Out for Gender-Based Violence Survivors with Nneka,” an end-of-year love feast supported by Venede USA in partnership with Hearts of Hope Shelter and CEE-HOPE, Nigeria to celebrate end of another year of resilience in Lagos.
The event featured activities such as business grant donations, health screenings, mental health talks, massages, and music, providing a space for healing and empowerment.
Betty Abah, founder of CEE-HOPE Nigeria, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “End of the year is a time to show love, to show compassion, to show that we care, especially to vulnerable members of the society. Times are hard, and it has not been easy reaching out to people.”
Abah explained that the event provided survivors with opportunities to share their stories, access health services, and receive support. “We had massage sessions, shared clothing, gave business grants, and organized free health checks. It’s touching to see the participants opening up about their experiences, despite the stigma surrounding gender-based violence,” she noted.
The event also addressed the broader societal implications of abuse. Abah emphasized the need for government intervention: “The government should do more for the people. Survivors need all kinds of support—economic, emotional, and social—to rebuild their lives.”
Abah further reflected on the prevalence of violence: “Every 10 seconds, a woman is attacked somewhere in the world. Economic pressures and societal issues like drug abuse have escalated the situation. Creating awareness and prosecuting perpetrators are crucial.”
Nneka, a key supporter of the event, shared an inspiring message, urging participants to embrace their inner strength. “Even in the darkest circumstances, there’s always a light waiting to shine through. Confidence, education, and resilience are critical tools for navigating life,” she said.
Encouraging the participants, she narrated how lessons from her father shaped her life.
“My father once said something that resonated deeply: ‘Our lives may not seem to fit perfectly, but we must find a way to make them work’.”
She said further that, “That lesson from my father has stayed with me, reminding me to persevere no matter the challenges.”
Continuing, she said, “When I reflect on the journey, I realize the importance of standing on one’s own feet and embracing the power within. It’s about knowing that even in the darkest circumstances, there’s always a light waiting to shine through. Confidence, education, and resilience are critical tools for navigating life. As we grow, we learn to see beyond obstacles, realizing we’ve already overcome so much.”
Encouraging further, she said, “It’s crucial to understand that we are capable, no matter what. The world might not always validate our efforts, but that doesn’t diminish our value. Each of us has a unique strength given by God, a strength to overcome, to stand tall, and to inspire others.
“Let this be a call to everyone: harness your inner power, embrace your uniqueness, and uplift others around you. Together, we can create a better world, one step at a time,” she concluded.
Participants took turns to express themselves at the event.
Chinyere, a survivor and participant, shared her deeply personal story of overcoming domestic abuse: “I suffered years of abuse from my husband after giving up my job for my family. I grew up witnessing domestic violence, and I never imagined it would happen to me. But now, through the support of the CEE-HOPE, I see hope for the future. Age is just a number, and I know all the things I didn’t achieve are still possible,” she said.
Founder of Vanede, a US-based NGO, Ms Obiekwe, encouraged the survivors to believe in themselves and be strong.
She said they don’t need anything or anybody to validate them. She reminded them that God has already given them the power and inner strength to be whatever they want to be.
“When you believe in yourselves, men who are abusive will not be attracted to you.
“It’s very important that no matter what the condition is today, that you’re already start seeing yourself tomorrow. That’s the most important thing for me, that you have what it takes, that you don’t need anybody to validate you.
“All the sadness and shame that you feel can be healed when you start to stand up and start to move with the level of independence and power that God put inside of you. It’s the power that will change your life,” she said.
The event concluded with a note of optimism, as participants left feeling empowered and supported.
“Everything ended in praise,” Abah remarked, reiterating CEE-HOPE’s commitment to making the initiative an annual event and scaling its impact.
The program also coincided with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, amplifying the call for a more supportive and less judgmental society. Through partnerships like this, the organizers aim to create a platform for survivors to rebuild their lives and inspire others to speak up and seek help.
*Report by Dayo Emmanuel.
