Women leaders in Imo State have vowed to combat female circumcision, forced marriage, ill-treatment of widows, the Osu caste system, and other harmful socio-cultural practices affecting women in the state.

The pledge was made during a one-day women leaders forum organised by the non-governmental organisation Community Life Protect, themed “The Role of Women Leaders in Building Just and Healthy Families and Communities.” The event, held in Owerri over the weekend, brought together women leaders from Obibi Uratta communities in Owerri North Local Council.

The leaders expressed concern over the high prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV), sexual harassment, and other forms of abuse targeting women.

They highlighted that such actions negatively impact women’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being, infringe on their human rights, and impede their overall development and progress in society.

Mrs Opara Edith, Mrs Anyasodo Evelyn, Mrs Oparaugo Angela, Mrs Amadi Chidinma, and Mrs Eleazu Stella, among others, called on the government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen and implement existing policies aimed at protecting women’s rights.

“Due to some existing cultural norms and beliefs, some of us, especially widows and other vulnerable women, suffer grave psychological trauma and hardship. We struggle to survive and to fend for our children. Our voices are often silenced, and sometimes we are considered non-existent,” said Mrs Oparaugo.

She added, “Today, we thank Community Life Protect for this training because it has afforded us the opportunity to speak out. We seek support for better and healthy living. We demand equal treatment and support for enhanced welfare and development.”

Programme Manager of Community Life Protect, Celine Osukwu, told journalists that the forum was designed to engage women and encourage them to contribute to creating just, healthy, and happy families and communities.

“Experience has shown that women face numerous social pressures within family and community settings, which affect their happiness and fulfilment and, in some cases, lead to death,” she said.

Osukwu added that the forum would enable women to identify harmful cultural practices and proffer solutions. “Aside from the support we have received here, we will engage other stakeholders, including traditional rulers and youth leaders, to find lasting solutions together,” she concluded.