Regy and Henry: Empowers victims, hosts its 6th International Annual Conference
By Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The story of Regy and Henry, an Amazing Grace Foundation, is one of resilience and impact, with numerous survivor success stories and achievements to its credit.
This foundation has been at the forefront of combating human trafficking and gender-based violence globally.
This year’s conference marked a significant milestone by focusing on empowering survivors to become advocates for change.
At its 6th International Annual Conference, the foundation issued a communiqué that underscored the event’s purpose: survivor empowerment. According to the National Director, the communiqué was titled: “Empowering Victims to Become Advocates: Addressing Human Trafficking and Gender-Based Violence as Violations of Women’s Rights.”
Explaining further, the National Director said: “Human trafficking and gender-based violence are interconnected global crises that disproportionately affect women and girls, violating their fundamental human rights.”
She emphasized the importance of empowering survivors: “This conference focuses on transforming survivors into advocates for change, recognizing their crucial roles in shaping effective prevention and intervention strategies. By amplifying their voices and experiences, we aim to foster a survivor-centric approach that prioritizes healing, justice, and prevention.”
The communiqué, which was adopted as a working document, outlined key outcomes, recommendations, and commitments from the conference.
Participants from diverse fields and perspectives engaged in robust discussions on the urgent need for collaborative action to combat gender-based violence and human trafficking, while empowering survivors. The conference provided concrete steps for both immediate and long-term actions.
Key Recommendations from the 6th International Annual Conference:
Strengthening Prevention Efforts:
Implement comprehensive sex education.
Invest in community-based initiatives that engage women and children in preventing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Address the underlying social and economic factors, such as poverty and harmful cultural norms, that contribute to SGBV.
Advocate for strong political will and proactive initiatives by governments.
Use social media to publicize convictions of perpetrators to deter SGBV crimes.
Improving Support Services for Survivors:
Advocate for increased government funding to enhance efforts in tackling SGBV.
Ensure the prosecution of SGBV cases without bias, regardless of the perpetrator’s status.
Provide trauma-informed care that prioritizes the needs of survivors and avoids re-traumatization.
The Regy and Henry Amazing Grace Foundation concluded the conference with a call for urgent and concrete action against SGBV, recognizing it as a severe violation of human rights. Participants emphasized the importance of understanding its causes, impacts, and the global efforts required to combat it. They called for heightened awareness, empathy, support for victims, and stringent punishments for perpetrators.
The foundation’s founder and Executive Director, Mrs. Christiana Chibuzo Uzo-Okamba, formally adopted the communiqué, with Mr. Abraham Amadu seconding it.
Dr. Duru Regina, the National Director, expressed gratitude to participants and partners for making the conference memorable. Survivors also shared their joy and appreciation for the foundation’s impact on their lives, which has empowered them to rebuild and shape their futures.
