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Summary: The Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAPH) organised a three-day mental health clinic in Lagos from February 3 to 5, 2026. The clinic equipped frontline responders with trauma-informed skills, safeguarding knowledge and self-care strategies to better support survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
The Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAPH) successfully organised a three-day Mental Health Clinic for Sexual Violence Frontline Responders in Lagos, at The Patron Hostel, Ajah-Lekki Expressway, Sangotedo-Epe, from February 3 to 5, 2026. The initiative, themed “Saving the Souls That Serve,” aimed to strengthen the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of activists and professionals working with survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Funded by the African Women Development Fund (AWDF), the programme brought together participants from diverse multi-sectoral agencies, including healthcare professionals, women’s rights organisations, civil society groups, the Nigeria Police Force and legal practitioners.
Each day began with wellness and physical exercise sessions that emphasised the importance of holistic health for service providers. Facilitators guided participants through discussions on the emotional burdens carried by frontline responders, such as burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma, which can impact work performance and personal well-being if left unaddressed.
The clinic also provided practical training on trauma-informed care, including grounding techniques, emotional regulation strategies, cognitive restructuring, peer support systems and structured self-care planning to help responders maintain resilience while delivering survivor-centred services. Sessions also emphasised psychological safety, reminding caregivers to always prioritise their own well-being to remain effective in their roles. Peer support exercises encouraged shared understanding, validation and collective resilience among participants.
In addition, attendees were trained on safeguarding principles, including the prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH), ensuring that organisations take proactive measures to protect survivors, staff and communities during service delivery.
Speaking on the experience, Ms. Aderemi Blessing, Director of Programmes at ZEECFOUNDATION, which participated in the clinic, described it as transformative:
“This clinic was both restorative and empowering. It reinforced the importance of caring for the mental and emotional health of those who serve survivors daily. We are grateful to WRAPH and AWDF for creating this safe and transformative learning space.”
WRAPH’s initiative demonstrates its commitment to equipping frontline responders with the knowledge, tools and support needed to respond ethically and effectively to SGBV, while prioritising their own well-being and resilience.
