By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

A non governmental organisation, Tabitha Cumi Foundation, has stepped up efforts to curb gender based violence, targeting 2,400 marginalised girls across four states through education, mentorship and community engagement.

The initiative was highlighted on Tuesday in Abuja during an event marking International Women’s Day 2026, where stakeholders gathered to assess progress and strengthen collaboration in protecting women and girls.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of the foundation, Adetayo Erinle, the Director of Finance, Adejumobi Fashola, said the Girls Rights Education and Protection project is designed to prevent abuse by addressing harmful social norms and improving community level safeguarding systems.

She explained that the two year project, funded by Ford Foundation and running from June 2025 to May 2027, is being implemented in the FCT, Bauchi, Benue and Lagos States, with focus on creating safe spaces and engaging parents and community leaders.

Fashola noted that the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” underscores the need to invest in women through education, opportunities and mentorship, adding that empowering women leads to stronger communities.

Also speaking, Programme Manager, Mrs Nnedrimwa Ohah, said the foundation has already enrolled all 2,400 direct beneficiaries, while reaching nearly 7,000 others including parents, teachers and community stakeholders.

She said resistance from some communities and economic hardship were major challenges, as some residents misunderstood the programme or expected financial support instead of awareness on prevention of violence.

According to her, the intervention focuses on girls between ages 10 and 25, targeting early formation of harmful norms that often expose them to abuse.

A representative of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Lilian Chinyere, said gender based violence remains widespread due to entrenched cultural and patriarchal systems, stressing the need for stronger partnerships.

She urged men and community leaders to take active roles in protecting women and promoting their rights.

Similarly, Principal Social Welfare Officer at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Ebele Obiefuna, said investing in women and girls is key to national development, noting that such efforts would improve economic growth and social stability.

She commended the foundation’s intervention, describing it as complementary to government efforts in advancing gender equality and access to justice.

In her presentation, Project Officer, Comfort Bello, revealed that low awareness and poverty remain major drivers of gender based violence, recommending sustained sensitisation involving families, schools and government institutions.