NGO, SieDi-Hub, advocates stronger accountability, referral systems to protect women, girls from GBV
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia, Nov. 12, 2025
SieDi-Hub, a nonprofit organisation, has called for stronger accountability protocols and functional referral pathways to improve protection for women and girls facing gender-based violence (GBV).
The Executive Director of the organisation, Mrs. Chinasa Imo, made this known in a press statement on GBV prevention and response issued by the organisation, and made available to newsmen recently, in Umuahia.
Imo, who is also the founder of the organisation, said that accountability and coordination among institutions such as the police, healthcare providers, courts, and social services are critical in ensuring justice for survivors and ending impunity for offenders.
She described an accountability protocol as a set of rules and standards that define who is responsible for what, what actions must follow when a report is made, and how institutions follow up to ensure survivors are protected while perpetrators are prosecuted.
Similarly, Imo said that a referral pathway represents the structured process through which survivors move from the point of disclosure, whether to a friend, community leader, or health worker to access medical care, counselling, legal support, and safe shelter.
“Without accountability, survivors lose trust in the system, and perpetrators act with impunity.
“Accountability enforces rights, deters future violations, and ensures institutions act transparently rather than cover up cases,” she said.
Imo identified common gaps in the system such as delayed police response, poor coordination among service providers, inadequate awareness of referral options, stigma, and weak monitoring mechanisms.
She said that in order to strengthen accountability, there should be regular training for responders, clear service standards, community education, and stronger implementation of laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
On community action, Imo urged citizens to hold institutions accountable through watchdog committees, feedback mechanisms, media advocacy, and partnerships with civil society organizations.
She urged men, boys, and community influencers to model non-violence, challenge harmful norms, and support survivors.
Imo further said that a functional referral pathway should involve key actors such as health workers, law enforcement officers, social welfare officials, NGOs, and legal aid groups, ensuring coordinated and survivor-centred services.
She emphasised the need for confidentiality, consent, and psychosocial support to prevent re-traumatization of survivors as they move through the referral system.
Imo called for the establishment of simplifying referral systems by training community and religious leaders as first responders, using mobile services and digital hotlines, and designating local hubs for key services, in resource-limited communities.
She also urged local organizations, faith groups, and traditional leaders to map existing services, establish GBV desks in local councils, promote community monitoring, and advocate for funding to sustain referral and support systems.
Imo urged women and girls to know where to seek help and keep contact information for local support institutions, including the following:
Abia State Police Command (Gender Unit / CRU) Handles GBV complaints, protection of survivors 09031593827, 09167783577, 08035494216
Abia Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development Counselling, empowerment, welfare and referral services 08106280575
NAPTIP Abia State Command Human – trafficking and sexual exploitation 08033975545
FIDA Abia – Legal aid and rights protection for women and girls 08033398177, 08064536362
Abia State Public Complaints Commission – Complaints on rights violations and public sector abuse 09154494423, 07041305389
Vicar Hope Foundation – Medical and shelter support for survivors 08081921217
She reiterated that survivors have the right to medical attention, legal recourse, and psychosocial care under the VAPP Act and related state laws.
