My name is Edith Jerop, a community champion from Sintaan, Marigat. Before joining Dandelion Africa’s Advocacy Program in 2022, I did not fully understand the roles of duty bearers or how to advocate for change in my community.
Through the Advocacy Toolkit training, I gained knowledge on human rights, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and resource lobbying through constructive dialogue. This training gave me the confidence to take action and educate my community on their rights and how to seek justice.
One of the most impactful lessons I learned was the process of reporting SGBV cases, including defilement and rape. By sharing this knowledge, more people now understand where to report such cases and which government offices to visit when seeking services.
As a result, the number of rape cases in my community has significantly reduced. I also feel empowered to engage with local offices because I now understand my rights and how to hold duty bearers accountable.
This training has not only helped my confidence but also my commitment to community empowerment. I now mentor others, ensuring they understand their rights and the importance of advocacy. By working together and demanding accountability from our leaders, I believe we can create lasting change and build a community where everyone’s voice is heard.