Empowering Women, Girls and persons with disabilities in Bade and Jakusko LGAs: A Comprehensive Community-Based Initiative for GBV Prevention, Response and SRH Enhancement in Yobe State ltpgtltbgtTHEMATIC ENVELOPElt/bgtltbrgtThis proposal submission is for Thematic Envelope Two (2): National Women-led organization leading women-led innovative solutions.lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtltbgtCONTRIBUTION TO THE PROTECTION OF GIRLS AND VULNERABLE WOMENlt/bgtltbrgtThis project is strategically designed to contribute significantly to the protection of girls and vulnerable women through a comprehensive and community-oriented approach. The project's multifaceted initiatives aim to empower women and girls with a strong focus on safeguarding their rights, addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and enhancing access to sexual reproductive healthcare and economic opportunities.ltbrgt	ltbgtInclusive Beneficiary Targeting:lt/bgt The project’s explicit focus on women (60%) and girls (25%) ensures that the most vulnerable groups receive tailored support. The inclusion of males (10%) recognizes their role in fostering gender equality and preventing GBV.ltbrgt	ltbgtCommunity Sensitization and Awareness Campaigns:lt/bgt the project reduces the vulnerability of women and girls by fostering knowledge and awareness through the sensitization of 38,500 women and girls on right awareness, GBV prevention and reproductive healthltbrgt	ltbgtEconomic Empowerment:lt/bgt the project also equips beneficiaries with essential skills, promoting economic independence among women and girlsltbrgt	ltbgtImproved Access to Support Centers:lt/bgt through the establishment of community-based safe spaces and SRH Hubs, the project offers secure environments for GBV survivors, staffed by trained professionals providing comprehensive support.ltbrgt	ltbgtImproved Access to Health Services:lt/bgt health system strengthening through partnership and support of existing healthcare facilities, capacity development of healthcare providers on SRH, CMR and other GBV-related health needs for GBV survivorsltbrgt	ltbgtMobilizing and Leveraging Existing Community Structures:lt/bgt Enhancing project ownership and sustainability utilizing established structures, networks and community dynamics such as government representatives, community leaders, legal experts/systems, police, CSOs such as FIDA, SARCs, etcltbrgtThis project's collaborative and community-centered approach, coupled with strategic planning and resource allocation, positions it as a catalyst for sustainable change and the protection of vulnerable women and girls in the targeted communities in Yobe.ltbrgtlt/pgtltpgtltbgtINNOVATIONlt/bgtltbrgt	ltbgtIDEA – SRH Hublt/bgtltbrgtThe CBI SRH Hub is an innovative and community-led initiative that complements GBV prevention, SARCs, and addresses SRH gaps. This unique concept serves as a secure space for women and girls, providing essential SRH services, including counseling on Family Planning and contraceptives for adolescents, along with mentorship for young girls. The Hub conducts community outreach and education, specifically targeting hard-to-reach areas, and integrates GBV services in coordination with SARCs. All services are delivered with cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, reflecting a pioneering approach to empower communities. This innovation aims to bridge women and girls access to SRH services gaps and significantly enhance the overall well-being of women and girls in rural and hard-to-reach areas in Yobe State.ltbrgt	ltbgtAPPROACH – Community Basedlt/bgtltbrgtThe innovative community-based approach in the project involves actively engaging local stakeholders and leveraging existing community structures such as government agencies, community leaders, religious leaders, women's groups, youth organizations, and People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), Healthcare facilities, police, local CSOs, SARC, etc.  Through trainings, sensitizations and awareness campaigns, the project focuses on empowering women, girls, and PLWDs, addressing gender-based violence (GBV), and enhancing access to sexual reproductive healthcare and economic opportunities. This approach, targeting specific beneficiaries and involving community stakeholders and structures, ensures project ownership, sustainability, and effectiveness in fostering positive and sustainable change within the targeted communities in Yobe State.ltbrgtlt/pgt