Community groups formed to strengthen reporting of GBV cases in Gondokoro

(GONDOKORO)-Four community engagement groups have been established on Gondokoro Island to strengthen the reporting and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.

The initiative, implemented by the Women Foundation for Humanity, created four groups of 20 members each, led by a chairperson and secretary. Each group received a mobile phone and a record book to document and promptly report cases of sexual and gender-based violence.

The groups are expected to serve as community focal points for reporting abuse, including rape, domestic violence and child marriage, while linking survivors with relevant authorities and support services.

Dorothy Drabuga, executive director of the Women Foundation for Humanity, said many cases of sexual and gender-based violence go unreported, making it difficult for authorities and organizations to respond.

“The reason why we are forming these groups is because we want to see how cases of gender-based violence can be reduced, how sexual gender-based violence can be prevented and how our women, girls and boys can be protected,” Drabuga said.

She said the community leaders would use the phones to immediately report incidents, while residents would be encouraged to channel complaints through the designated focal persons.

“There are a lot of cases of sexual and gender-based violence, including rape and domestic violence, but they are not being reported,” she said.

Drabuga said the groups bring together teachers, youth leaders and traditional chiefs to improve coordination and community response.

“This is a collective responsibility. We want to leave the responsibility to you, the people of Gondokoro. We are here to guide you,” she said.

The community engagement groups were launched alongside the distribution of dignity kits to adolescent girls to support menstrual hygiene and encourage school attendance.

Agnes Poni, chairperson of the Teton youth group, welcomed the initiative, saying the phone would improve communication with community leaders and the implementing organization whenever cases arise.

“When we have cases of gender-based violence, we are going to inform you,” she said. “First I will report to the chiefs, and after getting feedback I will inform the organization so we can work together to solve the problem.”

Poni identified early marriage as one of the most common forms of gender-based violence affecting girls in the community, while drug abuse remains a major challenge among boys.

She said some girls are forced into marriage as young as 15 while still in primary school. Poni encouraged them to return to school.

She urged girls not to remain silent if they experience abuse.

“When we have issues of gender-based violence, we need to raise our voices so that solutions can be found,” she said.

For his part, James Lado Joseph, a teacher and member of one of the community groups, said the phones and notebooks would make reporting cases faster and more organized.

“If anything happens, we can report quickly to the organization and they will direct us on where to go and how to handle the case,” he said.

Previously, he said, most cases were reported individually by families through local authorities or police, often without coordinated follow-up.

Joseph recalled an earlier sexual assault case that was resolved informally within the community, underscoring the need for stronger reporting mechanisms.

He encouraged fellow group members to actively use the tools provided rather than leaving them idle.