Religious leaders and civil society organisations (CSOs) have intensified efforts to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria, as faith-based groups partner with gender justice advocates to strengthen community response to the menace.

Spearheading the campaign is the Faith to Action Network West Africa Anglophone, which recently concluded an intensive eight-week training programme that produced 54 newly inaugurated GBV champions.
The event, which was held virtually, had the theme ‘Strengthening Community Response to Gender Justice.’

The initiative aimed to equip participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to combat GBV in their communities, with emphasis on advocacy, empowerment, and inclusive engagement. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goal of achieving gender equality.

Former President of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Most Rev. Benebo Fubara Manuel, (CCN), underscored the need for collaboration between men and women in the fight for gender justice.

According to him, Gender justice should not be about 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.
Coordinator of the Faith to Action Network West Africa Anglophone GBV Champions, 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.

He stressed the importance of collective action, stating, “Together, we can make a difference.”

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

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.”

“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.

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