In the aftermath of humanitarian crises, many communities are forced out of their settlements, increasing their vulnerability. Sex for food is the norm in such settings, and consequently, rape and forced marriages are also commonplace. The need for abortion and contraception services is critical in these settings. It’s also important that within healthcare facilities, healthcare workers are equipped to provide these services.
Under the Ipas Nigeria project titled ‘Improving Reproductive Autonomy for Women and Girls in Nigeria’, humanitarian and healthcare workers were trained to provide responsive care to women and girls who have suffered sexual violence in humanitarian settings.
In Benue State, Deborah, a humanitarian worker trained by Ipas Nigeria, is creating awareness within displaced community groups on sexual violence.
I learnt about sexual violence and forced marriage, as these are prevalent in the camps. I got to understand the different types of violence during the training; physical, sexual and emotional. We always had the report of rape cases in the camp but based on what I learnt from the training, I did some sensitization in the camp,” she explains.
She also educated parents about the rights of their children, as some of the parents used their power to push their children to have sex with men for food.
“I also learnt referral pathways when these issues come up, there are times young women in camps have no access to sanitary pads, but I learnt how to educate them to protect their menstrual hygiene. Also, I didn’t know the first thing to do when a person has been raped is to take the survivor to the hospital or nearest clinic, but I know this now and I would do this when there is any case of rape.’
Suzan, a healthcare worker in Gboko South, Benue State feels better equipped to deliver safe abortion services and deliver post abortion care.
“I learned about how to do manual vacuum aspiration and medical abortion for safe termination of pregnancy within our facilities. I was able to attend to a patient that had an incomplete abortion. Before, I would refer the case to general hospital but now I can attend to this type of case. I was also able to provide safe abortion services in the facility with the training I had on using MVA and provided Post Abortion Family Planning to the patient.”
Ronke, a Community Health Extension Worker in Ibadan, Oyo State, sees the need to offer support when sexual and reproductive health services are needed.
“From the training, I learned that girls could make their own decision about an unwanted pregnancy so they can progress in their lives. I didn’t know this before. After the training, I leant that I could advise girls to take up contraception too. Before the training, I would blame or judge them when they came to me for help but now, I give her options that can help her not to have unwanted pregnancies.”