Ukpa Ewa
The Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC), with support from WomenAid Collective (WACOL), has organized a two-day consultative meeting and Training of Trainers (ToT) for Christian women leaders, women cultural leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Anambra State, aimed at strengthening community-led efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV).
Held in Awka with the theme “Actions to End GBV – Moving Beyond Talk to Measurable Community Transformation,” the training brought together women from churches and community-based groups to build capacity for promoting gender equality and establishing grassroots structures to curb GBV.
Speaking to journalists, the Executive Director of GPSDC, Mrs. Eucharia Anekwe, decried the limited availability of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in the state, noting that Anambra currently has only one functional centre in Enugwu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area, serving the Central Senatorial Zone.
“We don’t have any SARCs in Anambra North or South, and this is affecting survivors,” she said.
“When victims travel long distances to access help, evidence of assault is often lost. We need at least three SARCs across the zones, alongside more shelters for women and children who cannot return to abusive homes.”
No VAPP Commission
Mrs. Anekwe also lamented the absence of a Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Commission in the state, which she said has hindered coordinated responses to GBV.
She appealed to government agencies and philanthropists to invest in establishing shelters, juvenile centres, and support systems for vulnerable women and children.
She further expressed concern that survivors and witnesses often lack transport and legal aid to attend court, allowing perpetrators to evade justice.
Mrs. Anekwe emphasized the need for an updated and harmonized GBV database, noting that the last available data from the Anambra State Bureau of Statistics dates back to between 2015 and 2017.
In her presentation, the Executive Director of Shoulder for Gender Support and Development Initiative, Mrs. Chioma Okeke, called for equal enforcement of the law regardless of gender, stressing that both men and women should be held accountable for acts of violence.
She urged parents to raise both boys and girls with discipline and empathy, adding that more rehabilitation centres should be created for survivors.
Delivering a goodwill message, Mrs. Okoben Chinwe, Social Welfare Officer from the Ministry of Women Affairs, commended GPSDC and WACOL for their initiative and assured the ministry’s continued support through collaboration and community engagement.
GBV Fight begins from home
Also speaking, the Vice Chairperson of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Women Wing, Anambra State, Pastor Favour Abarah, emphasized that the fight against GBV begins in the home.
“If we want GBV to stop, it starts with us as mothers. Many of us are too busy to pay attention to our children. We must revive our motherly instincts and stop condoning evil,” she urged.
Similarly, the representative of Umuada Igbo Nigeria and Diaspora, Dr. Winnie Arinze, warned that many sexual assaults occur within families, urging parents to remain vigilant.
“Some fathers molest their daughters. We must speak out when we see wrongdoing. Parents should not assume that children in higher institutions no longer need supervision,” she cautioned.
In her remarks, Lady Franca Nwigbo, leader of the Nwabuife Advocacy Group, called for stricter laws and consistent follow-up on GBV cases by women in their communities.
Earlier, the Programme Manager of GPSDC, Mrs. Ozoemena Ogechukwu, while presenting on “Understanding GBV in Christian and Cultural Contexts,” explained that the project aims to empower Christian and cultural women leaders with knowledge and tools to challenge harmful practices and drive gender equality.
“By engaging faith and cultural leaders, we aim to transform social attitudes and strengthen grassroots action against GBV,” she said.
