WEPBI Launches ‘Sister Guardian Initiative’ to Tackle Gender-Based Violence in Anambra Communities

The Women Empowerment, Education and Peace Building Initiative (WEPBI) has launched the Sister Guardian Initiative, a community-based intervention aimed at combating gender-based and domestic violence in rural communities across Anambra State.

The initiative was launched in Isuaniocha and Mgbakwu communities in Awka North Local Government Area, with selected women from both communities tasked with identifying, preventing and responding to cases of gender-based violence.

Speaking during the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of WEPBI, Lady Ijeoma Oguadimma, said the organisation operates across key thematic areas including peace and conflict resolution, good governance, women’s participation in politics and leadership, research, women’s rights and economic empowerment.

She explained that the Sister Guardian Initiative was designed specifically to address the increasing incidence of gender-based and domestic violence in rural communities, where many cases often go unreported.

“A lot of women are dying because of GBV issues, not just in Anambra State but everywhere. A lot of women are being emotionally hurt and abused, and government and relevant authorities don’t even know about most of these cases.

“That is why we decided to launch the Sister Guardian Initiative, with the theme ‘Onulu Ube Nwanne Agbalaoso,’ in rural areas, so that sisters can always rescue their fellow women or children whenever they are being molested, abused, battered or humiliated.”

Oguadimma said WEPBI was implementing the initiative in partnership with the South Sahara Development Organisation (SSDO), adding that 10 women had been selected from each participating community to serve as Sister Guardians.

According to her, the selected women would serve as community advocates and first responders by identifying potentially abusive situations, encouraging peaceful conflict resolution where appropriate and ensuring that serious cases are referred to the relevant authorities.

She urged the women to pay close attention to marginalised and vulnerable individuals and to speak out against abusive relationships and marriages.

“We want the women to be role models in their communities and to always look out for one another. They should educate both men and women on the need to reduce gender-based violence and promote peaceful homes.”

The WEPBI CEO further disclosed that the organisation was working with security agencies and other relevant authorities to ensure that cases beyond the capacity of the Sister Guardians would be properly referred for investigation and justice.

She also stressed that the initiative would not focus exclusively on women and children, noting that men who experience abuse should equally be identified and supported.

Among the women selected to participate in the initiative in Isuaniocha are the wife of the traditional ruler, the Woman President General, market leaders, hospital operators, political advocates and other influential women leaders in the community.

Speaking on behalf of the selected women, the President General of the Women Wing in Isuaniocha, Mrs Veronica Okeke, described the initiative as a laudable intervention that could help address domestic violence and conflicts affecting families.

She pledged the commitment of the participating women to ensuring that the initiative achieves its objectives.

The representative of the Traditional Ruler of Isuaniocha, Chief Damien Nnaemena, said the community fully supported the programme, describing it as an initiative capable of promoting peaceful and responsive homes and marriages.

In Mgbakwu, the Woman President General, Evangelist Uju Obiorah, also commended the initiative, saying it could make a significant contribution to the overall development and wellbeing of the community.

A teacher in Mgbakwu and member of the Sister Guardian Initiative, Mrs Ego Mbamalu, acknowledged that changing entrenched attitudes towards domestic violence could be challenging.

She, however, expressed optimism that the participating women would succeed through perseverance, commitment and determination to build a safer society.

The Communications Officer of WEPBI, Lady Ogechi Ewoo, disclosed that the organisation had sought and secured the necessary approvals from relevant stakeholders and community leaders across the participating areas.

She said the collaboration was intended to create the necessary community support and ensure that the Sister Guardian Initiative achieves its objectives.

The initiative is expected to strengthen community-level awareness, early intervention and referral mechanisms for gender-based violence while encouraging women and other community members to speak out against abuse.

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