09/10/2026
π’ PARTICIPANTS IN ONE DAY CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP ORGANIZED IN ABIA STATE BY WINET CALLS FOR STRONGER COLLABORATION TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR GBV VICTIMS IN ABIA
The participants at the training called for stronger coordination among women's rights organisations, security agencies, and other stakeholders to improve access to justice for victims of gender-based violence in Abia State.
The call was made in Umuahia by Womens Rights Organizations Leaders, during a one-day capacity-building training for leaders of women's rights organisations, organised by WINET in collaboration with the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement.
Mrs. Menkiti stressed that equipping women's organisations with the knowledge and skills to navigate the justice system is critical to improving their response to GBV and other violations against women.
She explained that the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of women's rights organisations in movement building and GBV prevention, while deepening their understanding of feminist and intergenerational leadership.
The programme is part of the broader Strengthening Women's Movements in Nigeria (SWMN) project, which seeks to build an inclusive and coordinated women's movement capable of advocating gender equality, social justice, and the economic and political empowerment of women.
The project is being implemented by the Amandla Institute across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, with WINET handling activities in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
Participants identified insecurity and harsh economic conditions as major challenges limiting the ability of women's rights organisations to effectively support victims and pursue justice for perpetrators.
Miss Chioma Ekoro, Public Relations Officer of JONAPWD, revealed that advocates sometimes face threats while supporting GBV victims. She called for stronger protection from security agencies and greater solidarity among stakeholders to ensure perpetrators β especially those who violate persons with disabilities β are brought to justice.
Mrs. Gladys Ihediwamma, Leader of Grassroot Community Development Initiative, called for stronger collaboration between women's rights organisations and traditional, religious, and political leaders. She stressed that community leaders have a vital role in sensitising residents on women's rights and the dangers of GBV, particularly against persons living with disabilities.
She commended WINET for organising the training, saying it had strengthened the capacity of participating organisations and provided them with tools to build a stronger social movement in Abia State.
The sessions were facilitated by WINET ED, Miriam Menkiti, Programme Manager, Ijeoma Obinna-Onwuka, and M&E/Gender Desk Officer, Mrs. Chinelo Dim.
Mrs. Menkiti also appreciated the Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, for her support towards the success of the programme.
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