…Vow Grassroots Action

By Adeola Badru

Women leaders in Oyo State are taking the lead in a renewed grassroots campaign to combat gender-based violence (GBV), as faith-based and civil society organisations intensify efforts to tackle rising cases of abuse across communities.

The call came during an advocacy workshop organised by the non-governmental organisation HACEY, in collaboration with the Women Aid Collective (WACOL), held in Atiba, Oyo.

The workshop, themed “Restoring God’s Design – Faith, Gender Equality and Protection of Women,” brought together Christian women and cultural leaders to strengthen community capacity in preventing and responding to GBV through faith-based and locally driven approaches.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions including role-plays, case studies, group discussions, and the development of community-specific action plans aimed at tackling GBV at the grassroots level.

Delivering a lecture on the topic “Empowering Christian Women Leaders of Culture for Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria through Strengthening Grassroots Organisations,” Senior Pastor of Miracle of the Lord Prayer and Bible Ministry, Lagos, Pastor Emmanuel Oguntope, stressed the responsibility of faith and cultural leaders in addressing GBV.

“Faith must never be used as a shield for injustice or oppression. As Christian leaders, we are called to defend the vulnerable, uphold dignity, and ensure our communities reflect God’s original design of love, equality, and mutual respect,” he said.

Pastor Oguntope added that empowering women leaders at the grassroots level would strengthen prevention and response mechanisms. “When women leaders are equipped with knowledge and courage, they become powerful voices for change. They can challenge harmful traditions, create safe spaces for survivors, and promote accountability within families and congregations,” he noted.

Speaking with journalists, HACEY Project Manager Kofoworola Fatogun said the programme was designed to move beyond awareness to practical action. “This workshop equips participants with tools and strategies to implement measurable interventions within their communities. We expect them to return with clear advocacy plans, strengthened networks, and the confidence to support survivors effectively,” she said.

Mrs. Olabiyisi Racheal, representing the participants, described the workshop as impactful and timely. “This training has deepened our understanding of gender-based violence and strengthened our resolve to act. We are leaving better equipped to protect women and girls and to promote justice and equality within our communities,” she said.

The workshop is part of HACEY and WACOL’s broader strategy to empower women leaders to confront harmful social, cultural, and religious norms that perpetuate gender-based violence while promoting survivor-centred prevention and response systems.