30 Benue organisations adopt Digital Safety, Mental Wellness Plans after GIGREE Training

By Benedicta Aboh

Thirty organisations working to promote the rights of women and girls in Benue State have developed Digital Safety Policies and Mental Wellness Plans following a capacity-building programme organised by the Global Initiative for Girls' Rights Education and Empowerment (GIGREE) with support from Urgent Action Fund–Africa (UAF-Africa).

The policies, developed during the programme, are expected to strengthen digital security, improve staff protection and institutionalise workplace wellness in organisations involved in advancing gender equality and human rights across the state.

The training was held under the theme "Defending the Defenders: Building the Capacity of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs)."

The impactful programme brought together representatives of 30 organisations, including women and girls' rights groups, legal and human rights organisations, civil society organisations and relevant government agencies.

Participants underwent intensive sessions on digital safety and data protection, mental wellness, as well as advocacy and solidarity messaging through storytelling.

The programme was designed to equip Women Human Rights Defenders with practical tools to protect themselves from both physical and digital threats while strengthening their advocacy efforts.

Beyond the classroom sessions, the initiative encouraged collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants.

In one instance, a participant from GoGreen Environmental Sustainability Initiatives organised a step-down training on mental wellness for colleagues who were unable to attend the workshop, extending the programme's impact beyond its original beneficiaries.

Speaking at the conclusion of the training, Executive Director of GIGREE, Doom Mavis Ikyaator, said protecting women human rights defenders was critical to sustaining the campaign for gender equality and the protection of fundamental rights.
According to her, "Protecting women human rights defenders is essential to sustaining the broader struggle for gender justice and human rights.

"When women defenders are safe, supported and connected, they are better positioned to influence policies, mobilise communities and advance the rights of women and girls."

Ikyaator commended the participants for their commitment and resilience despite the increasing challenges confronting women human rights defenders.
She also expressed appreciation to Urgent Action Fund–Africa for supporting the initiative, reaffirming GIGREE's commitment to strengthening women's movements, expanding safer civic spaces and advancing the rights and leadership of women and girls in Benue State and across Nigeria.