Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) Calabar in collaboration with 14 other NGOs, CBOs’ and networks took the streets by storm to campaign against Gender – Based Violence in Education which is in line with the ongoing 2018 16 Days of Activism.

The 2018 theme was “Together We Can End Gender Based Violence in Education”. The rally together over two hundred participants ranging from GPI Centre girls, facilitators, NGO representatives from UNFPA, FHI 360 4 pillars, YAHORG, Edem children foundation, Basic rights counsel initiative, NETCUSA, Cuso international etc.  media houses, MDAs such as Immigration, Police officers etc.

The aim was to create awareness to the general public within Calabar metropolis on the forms of gender based violence targeted at girls, and why such practice should be eliminated. The campaign was declared open by Helen Egodo (Special Assistant to Governor on Gender and women development), spoke on the need to join hands to end gender-based violence as its effects limits the pursuit of careers by grisl and women. She appreciated GPI for her efforts in creating educational programmes that help create awareness against gender based violence. Routes for the campaign was; Atimbo – IBB way – Etagbor – Mary Slessor Avenue to Botanical garden.

Side attractions during the rally included  drama skits presentation, distribution of flyers/posters,  placard  and T-shirts  with messages such as: Girls’ Education is key,  zero tolerance for gender based violence, Make education safe for girls, Act now to end violence against women, etc

The Head of Programmes GPI Calabar centre Ndodeye Bassey-Obongha, in a vote of thanks appreciated all GPI partners and GPI girls for turning out to be part of the activity. She further encouraged all to take action always to end gender based violence by reporting all issues of violence and referring survivors to get help. She also urged victims of GBV to speak out. Good will messages were presented by partners as well as a call to action by government to end GBV.