Help to Stop Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria

Empowering Remote Communities: Our Drive Against Child Abuse and Gender-Based Violence in Local Communities in Abuja and Lagos

With the generous support of the ACT Foundation, we embarked on a mission to empower key community stakeholders in the Abaji Area Council, Abuja to establish a robust defence against child abuse and gender-based violence, ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable children in remote areas of Abuja.

In Lagos, a dedicated visit to the Ilaje Otumara community saw the Cece Yara team passionately raising awareness of child abuse and effective preventive measures. The support received facilitated successful education and ignited crucial conversations within the community. As advocates for child rights, we reassured Ilaje community Ebute Metta Area of Lagos State of our steadfast commitment to safeguarding children, fighting for their rights, and staunchly opposing any form of injustice against them.

Cece Yara and WRTHY/TASCK at the Ignite Creative Conference Tackling Strategies for Breaking the Silence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

In an inspiring session at the 2023 Ignite Conference, Cece Yara led a thought-provoking panel discussion titled "Empowering Voices, Strategies for Shattering Silence.", in line with the conference theme of "Gender, Inclusion, and Equality," The esteemed panelists, including Ayoola Oluwatosin Azeez, Bamike Ola-Adebuniyan (Bambam), Gbemisola Ogunrinde, and Chioma Omeruah (Chigurl), alongside our insightful Moderator, Prisca Onuegbu, delved into the layers of abuse and the intricate process of healing from childhood trauma and gender-based violence. The session created a safe space for profound conversations, fostering vulnerability, and the sharing of invaluable knowledge. Cece Yara's presence at the Ignite Conference 2023 not only raised awareness but ignited a flame of empowerment, vulnerability, and advocacy for a future of gender inclusion and equality.

Capacity Development for Graduates of the Teach for Nigeria Community

Cece Yara conducted a capacity-building training for the 2023 cohort of Teach for Nigeria (TFN) graduates. In this transformative experience, our committed participants, who serve not only as teachers but also as caregivers, were equipped with invaluable knowledge on the critical aspects of child protection and safety. The training emphasised the significance of recognising and addressing abuse within their communities, providing them with the tools to take immediate action. It brings us immense pride to announce that more than 400 teachers emerged from this intervention, enriched and empowered, signaling a major stride in the establishment of secure environments conducive to the growth and development of our children.

Cece Yara at the Netflix and the Nigerian Digital Content Regulation Conference (NDCRC)

In a bid to further spread awareness about online safety for children, our lead Psychotherapist Ms. Gbemi Ogunride represented Cece Yara at the third edition of the Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference (NDCRC) in collaboration with Netflix. She emphasised the crucial role parents play in establishing a secure environment and fostering open communication with their children about online activities. The goal is to prevent them from becoming vulnerable to online predators and from accessing content that may not be suitable for their age.

Cece Yara at the 9th SARCs Network Conference: Spotlight on Funding and Sustainability

As part of the activities marking the 16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence 2023, Cece Yara was represented at the 9th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs), hosted by the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (ROLAC II) Programme. Our active participation enriched discussions on the conference theme, "Funding and Sustainability of Sexual Assault Referral Centers," providing valuable insights. Our engagement at this conference underscores our commitment to driving impactful change and sustainable solutions in the realm of sexual assault prevention and response.

Capacity Development Training for Patent and Propriety Medicine Vendors (Community Pharmacists) Association in Gbagada, Lagos    

Cece Yara collaborated with the Gbagada Association of Community Pharmacists in furtherance of our mission to protect vulnerable children. We equipped Gbagada residents with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in their care.

Child abuse is a grave concern, and we firmly believe that awareness and education are our most potent weapons in combating this issue. We will keep working together to ensure a safer and nurturing environment for our children

Conducted Community Awareness Campaign at NASFAT Ajeromi Branch on Child Protection and Safety

The Cece Yara team visited the NASFAT Ajegunle branch (an Islamic denomination with a mission to develop an enlightened Muslim society nurtured by a true understanding of Islam for the spiritual upliftment and welfare of mankind with the aim to raise awareness about the issue of child abuse and educate members on how to seek help in cases of abuse within their communities.

During the event, we shared valuable information and resources to empower individuals to take action and protect children from harm. Our goal remains to keep creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels equipped to address and prevent child abuse and we understand the instrumentality of religious organisations in protecting vulnerable children.

16 - Days of Activism: Cece Yara Partnered with the “Unveil Reborn” Drama Group at Harvesters Church to host A stage Play to Create Awareness about Access to Critical Services for Every Survivors in Support of their Recovery

The Cece Yara Foundation partnered with Unveil Reborn to host a stage play focused on empowering survivors of abuse to speak up. The stage play themed "The Secret Place Priests: Echoes of Yesterday,"  is a powerful narrative that touches the hearts and minds of those who have endured early childhood trauma and struggle to find their voice. It explores the resilience of the human spirit and tells the story of survivors who endured early life abuse, sickness in the midst of success, brokenness, anger, and pain.

In furtherance of our mission to achieve healing and justice for survivors of childhood trauma, we empowered survivors to break free from the chains of their past, find their voices, and embark on a journey of recovery with us through our professional counselling and psychosocial services. Together, we can be the voice for those who have been silenced for far too long.

16 - Days of Activism: Partnered with WARIF (Women at Risk International Foundation) to Host a Walk Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

We proudly participated in the annual Women at Risk Internation Foundation’s No Tolerance March, uniting in solidarity to raise awareness and actively contribute to the ongoing battle against gender-based violence and child abuse in Nigeria. Our message is precise; we have zero tolerance to rape, sexual violence, child sexual abuse, and sex trafficking

Cece Yara on Arise TV to Promote Awareness of Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria 

Our Founder, Mrs. Bola Tinubu, was live on Arise TV to discuss the critical issue of child sexual abuse and children’s access to justice in Nigeria.This alarming statistic of “Only 6% of children are able to access the help they need in Nigeria” highlights the significance of Cece Yara’s Forensic Interview Protocol in eliciting crucial evidence for the prosecution of child abuse cases in Nigeria as well as the need for inter-agency collaboration. We remain committed to safeguarding the rights of every child and ensuring survivors get access to justice.