Group mobilises stakeholders against gender-based violence

A Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO), under the aegis of Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL), has expressed resolve to mobilize Christian leaders, among others against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country, saying that promoting gender equality, advancing women’s rights, and ensuring access to justice for women, children and people with disabilities in Nigeria remained its focus.

WACOL gave this stand on Tuesday as it holds a 2-day workshop, titled: “Empowering Christian Women and Women Leaders of Culture for Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria, through the Strengthening of Grassroots Organizations, which took place in Lagos, and funded by Ford Foundation, West Africa office.

Addressing newsmen at the 2-days event, attended by different stakeholders, the Executive Director of WACOL, Prof. Joy Ezeilo (SAN), while expressing the commitment of the group to the seat goals, described the project as a vital initiative aimed at creating lasting change in communities across Nigeria by strategically partnering with grassroots organizations.

According to Ezeilo, the project is uniquely positioned to address the root causes of gender-based violence, challenge harmful cultural and religious norms and promote gender equality at every level of society, saying that its grant sought to empower Christians women and women leaders in culture to promote gender equality, prevent gender-based violence and achieve social transformation in the country.

This was just as she affirmed that Christian women and women leaders of culture played a vital role in their communities, families and churches, but quickly noted that they often faced gender-based challenges and barriers that limited their participation and leadership.

Ezeilo, however, said that the project aimed to engage Christian women and leaders from diverse culture across Nigeria in becoming more gender sensitive, thereby promoting equality and social transformation. 

“The project grant seeks to empower Christians women and women leaders in culture to promote gender equality, prevent gender-based violence and achieve social transformation in Nigeria.

“Christian women and women leaders of culture play a vital role in their communities, families and churches. However, they often face gender-based challenges and barriers that limit their participation and leadership.

“This project aims to engage Christian women and leaders from diverse culture across Nigeria in becoming more gender sensitive, thereby promoting equality and social transformation,” Ezeilo said.

Speaking further, WACOL Executive Director assured of continued dialogue and partnership across denominations, cultural groups and regions to ensure that the momentum generated by the project extended far beyond its duration

She said this became imperative as, according to her, it is only through sustained advocacy, education and community engagement that true social transformation can be achieved.

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