GPSDC, WACOL Train Girls to Fight Gender-Based Violence, Challenge Harmful Cultural Practices in Anambra

By Ukpa Ewa

AWKA — The Gender Perspective and Social Development Center (GPSDC), with support from Women Aid Collective (WACOL), has trained Christian girls and female cultural youths in Anambra State on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, urging them to speak out against abuse and challenge harmful cultural practices.

The one-day training, held in Awka, attracted participants from Nibo in Awka South Local Government Area and Nkpor in Idemili North LGA. It was organised under a project aimed at strengthening grassroots organisations to prevent and respond to GBV in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, GPSDC Executive Director, Mrs. Anekwe Eucharia, called for stronger community involvement in preventing gender-based violence, including the establishment of communal shelters where rescued survivors could find temporary accommodation.

She urged girls to understand their rights, resist intimidation and seek help when necessary, stressing that tackling GBV must begin at the grassroots.

Anekwe said GPSDC had been empowering women in Nibo and Nkpor to prevent and respond to abuse and was extending the initiative to younger girls to strengthen their confidence and advocacy skills.

The GPSDC Programmes Manager, Oge Ozoemena, said the training also commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated on October 11.

She explained that the project sought to equip girls with the knowledge, leadership abilities and advocacy skills needed to promote gender equality and build safer communities.

In a presentation titled “My Voice, My Agency: Girls as Agents of Change,” the President of Umuada Igbo Cultural Women in Nigeria and Diaspora, Anambra State Chapter, Dr Winnie Arinze, urged participants to speak up and take an active role in decisions affecting their lives.

Similarly, Uju Onyendilefu, speaking virtually on “Speaking Up and Taking Action,” advised the girls to use credible information to support advocacy campaigns and mobilise their communities against GBV.

WACOL Legal Officer, Barr. Ifeyinwa Ofodile Nwafor, described the training as a wake-up call for girls to take action against abuse, urging them to recognise their worth and resist attempts to undermine their confidence.

GPSDC Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Christian Mmadubueze, encouraged participants to use social media responsibly to raise awareness about GBV.

Speaking on “Social Media for Positive Change: Developing GBV Hashtags,” he urged them to verify information and avoid spreading propaganda, noting that credible digital advocacy could promote positive change.

Participants, including the Speaker of the Anambra State Children’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Victory Ekwunife, from Nibo, and Uzoamaka Ewulum, from Nkpor, pledged to organise awareness campaigns in schools, churches and their communities.

They raised concerns over rape, child abuse, child labour, drug abuse, human trafficking and limited leadership opportunities for girls, while commending GPSDC for the initiative.

The training concluded with the development of a GBV Prevention Action Plan, through which participants outlined practical strategies for addressing abuse and promoting the protection of girls in their communities.

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