Benin: The Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF) has successfully trained over 100 female athletes from various states across Nigeria on leadership and self-defense against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The training session took place in Benin, focusing on using sports as a tool for empowerment and protection.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training event, which marked the fourth edition of the program, commenced on October 31 and concluded on November 1. Participants hailed from diverse regions including Abia, Cross River, Delta, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti, with the initiative aiming to empower them with confidence, self-esteem, and leadership skills.
Mr. Tony Eleme, YEF Programme Officer, emphasized the foundation’s mission to utilize sports in raising awareness about GBV and equipping girls with the necessary skills to defend themselves. “We believe that when the girl-child is empowered, the whole nation is empowered. GBV is rising, we felt it was important to help girls defend themselves, stay confident, and recognize when they are being abused,” Eleme stated. He further noted that the training extends beyond physical defense, enabling girls to identify and report instances of abuse that might otherwise go unnoticed. “Sometimes, these girls are exploited without even realizing it. Through sports and education, we’re building their awareness and resilience,” he added.
Dr. Nosakhare Erumwunse, Edo Coordinator of the Child Protection Network Nigeria, highlighted the critical issue of GBV, describing it as a crisis affecting both genders, yet disproportionately impacting women and girls by over 70 percent. He underscored the importance of the skills learned by the participants, stating, “A girl who has learned Taekwondo is less likely to be raped because she knows how to defend herself and disarm an attacker.” Dr. Erumwunse also cautioned the athletes against misusing their skills, advocating for discipline and competence over aggression. “Your relevance depends on your competence. Let your skill, not aggression, define your worth,” he advised.