As part of efforts towards promoting a safe and respectful work environment in the course of its operations, the Ekiti State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project has held a- one day training on Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) for Project Implementation Unit (PIU) members and support staff.
The training which took place in Ado Ekiti, focused on Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), referral pathways and also featured the signing of a code of conduct christened “Do No Harm.”
In his opening remarks, the State Project Coordinator L-PRES, Mr Olayinka Adedipe emphasized that for the L-PRES Project to fully achieve its objectives in the State, there is need to create a work environment that is free from harassment, abuse, and exploitation.
He noted that the training was designed to equip PIU members and support staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and respond to incidents of PSEAH and GBV.
Earlier, the Gender Based Violence Officer L-PRES, Mrs Busola Adeniyi, presented an overview of Gender – Based Violence (GBV) and dissected the concept and types of Gender Based Violence as well as its impact on World Bank assisted Projects.
She discussed various modules, including the definition and forms of PSEAH and GBV, the consequences of such acts, and the referral pathways for reporting incidents.
Adeniyi emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work together to prevent and swiftly respond to incidents of PSEAH and GBV during the implementation of the project in the State.
She commended the Ekiti L-PRES project for taking proactive steps to address these issues and promote a culture of respect and accountability.
In her contribution, the Extension Officer L-PRES, Mrs Olubunmi Ajayi discussed on Gender and Livestock in Nigeria, the role of Women in Agriculture, gender dynamics in the Livestock sector, impact of Women in Livestock farming on rural communities, challenges faced by Women in Livestock Agriculture and Recommendations for promoting Gender equality in Livestock farming.
The Resource Person, Mr. Fadahusi Adewumi of Light Cove Enterprise identified possible risks during the project course and ways to mitigate the risks during project implementation.
Responding on behalf of other participants, the L-PRES Project Account Mrs Folasade Omotoso expressed appreciation to the organizers for the opportunity to broaden their knowledge about PSEAH and GBV.
She pledged that participants would uphold the principles of the code of conduct and promote a safe and respectful work environment.
Highpoint of the event was the signing of a code of conduct on “Do No Harm,” by participants which commits them to upholding the highest standards of behavior and respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.
The L-PRES project is an initiative supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the World Bank that aims to improve the productivity and resilience of livestock farmers in Ekiti State.