Religious, Traditional Leaders Urged to Drive Action Against Gender-based Violence in Anambra

By Ukpa Ewa

Religious and traditional leaders in Anambra State have been called upon to take the lead in combating gender-based violence (GBV) through stronger community engagement and advocacy.

The call was made at a two day consultative meeting and Training of Trainers (TOT) organized by the Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) with support from WomenAid Collective (WACOL).

The event, themed “Actions to End GBV – Moving Beyond Talk to Measurable Community Transformation,” brought together women from various churches and community groups to build structures that address GBV and promote gender equality at the grassroots level.

Speaking with Journalists, Executive Director of GPSDC, Mrs. Eucharia Anakwe, lamented the limited number of functional Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in the state. She noted that Anambra currently has only one operational centre in Enugwu Ukwu, Njikoka LGA and called for at least one SARC in each senatorial zone to reduce the distance survivors must travel to access help.

Mrs. Anakwe also decried the absence of a Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Commission in the state, noting that this has slowed coordinated responses to GBV cases. She urged government and philanthropists to support the establishment of more shelters and facilities for women and children who cannot return to abusive homes.

She further highlighted that lack of transportation funds and legal support often prevent survivors and witnesses from appearing in court, allowing perpetrators to go unpunished.

The GPSDC Executive Director however stressed the need for updated GBV data, pointing out that the last statistics available from the Anambra State Bureau of Statistics were from 2015 to 2017, calling for proper harmonization of reports from GBV responders to enable the Ministry of Women Affairs to maintain a comprehensive state database.

In her presentation, Executive Director of Shoulder for Gender Support and Development Initiative, Mrs. Chioma Okeke, emphasized that the law should be applied equally, regardless of gender.

She encouraged parents to raise boys with the same moral discipline as girls to build a balanced and responsible society and called for more rehabilitation centres for victims.

Delivering a goodwill message, Social Welfare Officer from the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Mrs. Okoben Chinwe, commended the organizers and pledged the ministry’s support in tackling GBV through partnership and community engagement.

Speaking also, Pastor Favour Abarah, Vice Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Women Wing in Anambra State, urged mothers to take greater responsibility in nurturing moral values at home.

She stressed that the fight against GBV must begin within families, noting that many women are too busy to monitor the moral development of their children.

Dr. Winnie Arinze, representing Umuada Igbo Nigeria and Diaspora, warned parents to remain vigilant, observing that many sexual assault cases occur within families. She called on parents not to assume that children in higher institutions no longer require supervision.

While Lady Franca Nwigbo, leader of Nwabuife Advocacy Group called for stricter enforcement of laws to punish offenders and urged women to actively follow up GBV cases in their communities.

Earlier, GPSDC Programme Manager, Mrs. Ozoemena Ogechukwu, in her presentation titled “Understanding GBV in the Context of Christian and Cultural Contexts,” explained that the training seeks to empower women leaders with the knowledge and tools to challenge harmful cultural norms and promote gender equality.

She said engaging faith and cultural leaders is key to transforming social attitudes and strengthening grassroots action against GBV.

The event reinforced the urgent need for more SARCs, shelters, legal support and updated GBV data, with participants agreeing that faith, culture and community engagement are critical tools in the fight against gender-based violence in Anambra State.