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We must not be silent: Reflections on My Work in GBV Prevention & Response

by Hanna Rabah

By Helen John, WI-HER Gender, Social Inclusion, and Community Engagement (GSI&CE) Advisor

Helen John supports the USAID Integrated Health Program (IHP) in Bauchi State, Nigeria, ensuring gender concerns are integrated throughout project design and implementation.
Helen John supports the USAID Integrated Health Program (IHP) in Bauchi State, Nigeria, ensuring gender concerns are integrated throughout project design and implementation.

My work on gender-based violence (GBV) has become part of my DNA and daily conversation. I discuss GBV not just in the official sphere but also in my private life—I have become a reference point. I have received several calls from families of GBV survivors who are seeking assistance, and I refer and link them up for services.

Even though there are endless cultural, social, traditional, and structural barriers to providing care, we can and have moved beyond these barriers through multi-sectoral coordination to address GBV issues. The 16 Days of Activism against GBV reminds us that the time to end violence against women cannot wait. It is always now!

This reflection is part of WI-HER’s 2023 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign. UN Women created the 16 Days campaign to bring awareness to issues related to responding to, preventing, addressing, and ending GBV.

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