Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre

13/09/2026

STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD IN ANAMBRA STATE

Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) is deeply disturbed by the reported case of alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of a child in Anambra State, which has recently generated widespread public concern.

We strongly condemn any act of sexual abuse, exploitation or violation of a child, regardless of who the alleged perpetrator may be. Children are entitled to safety, dignity, protection and care, and no child should ever be subjected to sexual exploitation or abuse.

We welcome the swift intervention of the Anambra State Police Command, including the arrest of the suspect and the rescue of four children reportedly found in the course of the operation. We also acknowledge the Police Command's stated commitment to protecting the children's privacy, dignity and wellbeing while investigations continue.

GPSDC calls for a thorough, professional and expeditious investigation into the matter, including establishing the full circumstances surrounding the reported abuse and determining whether other persons may have been involved. Where wrongdoing is established, we call for appropriate action in accordance with the law.

Beyond investigation and prosecution, we urge that the affected children receive immediate and sustained protection, psychosocial support and other appropriate services necessary for their wellbeing and recovery.

This incident is a painful reminder that child sexual abuse can occur within spaces where children are expected to be safest. It therefore requires not only institutional action, but also stronger community vigilance, responsible reporting and a collective commitment to preventing abuse before it occurs.

We call on parents, caregivers, community leaders, faith leaders, women and youth leaders, schools, child-protection actors and relevant government institutions to strengthen efforts to create environments where children are protected, listened to and believed.

*Children are not commodities. Children are not content. Children are not to be exploited.*

As Gender Perspective, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing women's voices, safer communities and a culture where every child is protected from violence and exploitation.

GENDER PERSPECTIVE
Women and Children’s Voices. Safer Communities.

Oge Ozoemena Program Manager
Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC)

25/03/2026

We strongly condemn the reported violence in Ozoro during the recent festival. No culture or directive justifies abuse.

We stand with survivors, you are heard, and you are not alone. We call for swift investigation and justice.

08/03/2026

Give to Gain indeed... Rights, Justice and Action!

Happy IWD to all the women out there.

07/03/2026

Gender Perspective and Social Development Center (GPSDC), with funding support from @ WACOL, recently organized a two-day residential training for male and male youth allies from Nibo and Nkpor communities in Anambra State.
The training focused on strengthening male allyship in the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), promoting positive masculinity, and supporting the implementation of the community proclamation on ending GBV earlier developed by women.

The participants engaged in interactive discussions, group work, and action planning aimed at challenging harmful norms and empowering men to become advocates for gender equality within their faith and cultural networks. They finally validated the 'community women proclamation' as developed by the women during their respective step down trainings.

We also had an August visitor from WACOL who made the activity very interactive, joined in the radio programme and responded to questions raised by the listeners and participants at training which increased their knowledge on GBV.

Together, we continue to strengthen community voices and promote safer, more inclusive communities free from violence.

07/03/2026

The market sensitization on GBV by the Community GBV Response Team Nibo was amazing. Market women listened, asked questions, took contacts and referral directory for case reportage and follow-ups.

Thank you WACOL for all the supports.

07/03/2026

IWD celebration has started already with the women's conference. Details later

07/03/2026

The Nibo Gender-Based Violence Response Team (NGBVRT) earlier this week participated in a radio program where the discussion focused on understanding and consequences of early marriage and its links to gender-based violence.

During the program, it was emphasized that marriage below 18 years is child abuse and is prohibited by law. Key causes highlighted included poverty, parental negligence, greed, and harmful cultural practices.

Listeners also called in to share their views, stressing the need for better parenting, stronger family support, and increased community awareness to prevent early marriage.

16/01/2026

Our radio program on the 14th Jan. 2026 focused on the vital role of families in preventing gender-based violence (GBV). Amb. Rachel Yohanna the Lead Volunteer for Davina Care Foundation emphasized that respect and equality within the home are foundational to healthy relationships and community wellbeing. she highlighted that children learn values and behaviors from what they see at home. she stated that when parents and caregivers practice respect, fairness, and non-violence, children internalize these principles and carry them into adulthood.

Mr. Ubajekwe Emmanuel the WACOL Program Officer talked on positive Masculinity which is all about what it means to be a man in a healthy and respectful way. He encourages men and boys to express their emotions responsibly, to show empathy, and treat others- especially women and girls with dignity and equality. He encouraged the men and boys to give the women and girls a listening ear and stop relegating them to the side.

Audience participation was massive. The listeners called in to express their own opinion. Four people called in, and Emeka from Awka wasn’t in support of the part of equality between men and women, although he emphasized that the women should be respected. Madam Ghana from Awka aligned with the discussion and dropped and igbo Adage “ Onu na ekwu ga ekwu, Nti ga anu ga anu”
Okudo from Umuawulu also called in and aligned with the program but emphasized that he has a challenge with the equality part. Amb. Yohanna explained to the audience that by equality we didn’t mean they should be robbing shoulders rather the male should love the women and the women should respect the men, again parents should treat and give both boys and girls equal opportunities in life as this will help reduce GBV in future.

Onyebuchi an indigene of Anambra who resides in Imo called in and aligned with the program she said that when men don’t do what they are supposed to do and leaves all responsibilities to the women they tend to lose the respect the women have for them.
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07/01/2026

Week of 7th January 2026 Radio Episode on Cultural Practices and GBV: What Must Change and How

The radio episode aired during the week of 7th January 2026 focused on cultural practices and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), highlighting what must change and how change can happen.

Our guest was Mazi Obi Nwoye, Onye Ozioma Igbo, Founder and Coordinator of Otu Ozioma Igbo. He spoke on the topic and emphasized that, despite existing government laws, some cultural practices still hold people—especially women—captive. He noted that widows suffer the most. In some parts of Igbo land, when a woman loses her husband, she is restricted from going out for a complete three months. However, when a man loses his wife, he is free to move around without anyone questioning him.
He stated that non-compliance with laws is one of the reasons women and girls continue to be abused, exploited, and impregnated. When victims attempt to speak up, they are often silenced under the guise of “necessary cultural practices.”

Mazi Obi also spoke about the abuse faced by young women seeking for job after graduating from school. He explained that some girls are given the option of sleeping with men in exchange for appointment letters.
On how to change harmful cultural practices, he stressed the need for strong and strategic advocacy to traditional rulers, though Igbo cultures are not the same across communities.

During the call-in segment, many callers agreed that some cultural practices treat women and girls badly and deprive them of their rights and opportunities. However, Mohammed Nurudin, an Igbo Muslim from Igbo-Eze South LGA in Enugu State , and Philip from Agulu-Uzoigbo in Anambra State said that in their communities, cultural practices treat both men and women equally.

06/01/2026