By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Faith leaders and gender justice advocates have joined forces to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and promote gender equality in Nigeria.

At the forefront of this initiative is the Faith to Action Network West Africa Anglophone, which recently concluded an eight-week intensive training programme and inaugurated a new generation of 54 GBV champions.

The event, titled ‘Strengthening Community Response to Gender Justice,’ was held virtually on Saturday via Zoom.

It featured prominent speakers, including Most Rev. Benebo Fubara Manuel, immediate past President of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), and Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Coordinator of the Faith to Action Network West Africa Anglophone GBV Champions. Other facilitators included Justina Ngwobia, who delivered powerful calls to action.

Most Rev. Manuel emphasised the importance of collaboration between men and women in achieving gender justice.

“Let me encourage you to keep learning about gender justice. Gender justice is not a matter of men versus women; it is about men and women working together, because no gender can achieve progress alone,” he stated.

The faith leader acknowledged the challenges of dismantling ingrained patriarchal privileges but urged participants to begin by changing the way they speak about themselves.

“God is available to both men and women,” he added.

Rev. Dr Uzoaku Williams charged the newly inaugurated GBV champions to amplify the voices of survivors, advocate for policy changes, and engage with their communities.

“As you have been inaugurated today, go forth and amplify the voices of survivors. Advocate for policy changes, support victims of gender injustice, engage with your immediate communities, and promote a culture of respect and understanding,” she said.

Uzoaku Williams also emphasised the importance of collective action, stating, “Together, we can make a difference.”

Justina Ngwobia, one of the facilitators, highlighted the global impact of gender inequality.

“Across the world, one reason we are not progressing as we should is that we often prioritise the development of one gender over the other,” Ngwobia noted.

She called on the champions to disseminate the knowledge they acquired during the training, saying, “As gender champions, it is your responsibility to disseminate the knowledge you’ve acquired wherever you find yourselves.”

The event also featured a Commitment Pledge signed by the participants, who vowed to advocate for gender equality, support survivors, raise awareness about GBV, and promote inclusivity.

The pledge emphasised leading by example, collaborating with stakeholders, and continuously educating themselves on GBV issues.

The training programme equipped participants with the knowledge and skills to address GBV in their communities, focusing on empowerment, advocacy, and community engagement. The initiative aligns with global efforts to achieve gender equality, as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The inauguration of the GBV champions marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against gender-based violence, leveraging the influence of faith-based organisations and grassroots activism to drive systemic change.

This initiative emphasised the critical role of faith-based leadership and community-driven advocacy in addressing gender inequality and creating a safer, more inclusive society.