The Global Health Awareness Research Foundation (GHARF) has raised concern over the rising cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Ikem Community, located in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Executive Director of GHARF, Prof. Obioma Nwaorgu, disclosed this on Wednesday at the opening of a six-day capacity-building training for Christian women and female cultural leaders in Ikem on the prevention and response to gender-based violence.
Nwaorgu said preliminary community assessments indicated that domestic violence, particularly wife battering and abandonment, remained the most prevalent forms of abuse in the area.
According to her, GBV is largely driven by unequal power relations, religious misinterpretations and entrenched patriarchal norms.
“Its consequences destabilise families, weaken community cohesion and hinder national development,” she said.
She noted that although cases appeared more visible in community settings than in churches, both religious and traditional institutions must collaborate to address the issue effectively.
Describing GBV as a direct threat to families and community development, Nwaorgu stressed the need for urgent grassroots intervention.
“This training is about strengthening a movement that places women at the forefront of justice, dignity and transformation. Together, we can build a community where violence has no place,” she said.
The programme, funded by the Women Aid Collective, forms part of a two-year national initiative currently being implemented in 11 states.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the occasion and member of the Isi-Uzo Traditional Ruling Council, Chief Igwe Okey Ogbodo of Ikem Uno Community, described marriage as a sacred institution that must be safeguarded from violence.
He urged couples to live in peace and harmony, warning that children raised in violent homes often suffer long-term consequences.
The Women Leader of the Christian Association of Nigeria (Isi-Uzo Chapter), Mrs Chukwuemeka Josephine, described the training as timely and empowering, encouraging women facing abuse to speak out and seek help.
One participant, Mrs Celestina Odo, described the programme as eye-opening and said it would help her guide other women experiencing similar challenges.
The training, scheduled to run from February 16 to February 21, aims to equip participants with practical tools for GBV prevention, response and community advocacy.
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