18/02/2026
GHARF Organizes a Three-Day Capacity Building Workshop for Christian Women Leaders on the Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Enugu State.
The Executive Director of Global Health Awareness Research Foundation (GHARF), Emeritus Prof. Obioma Nwaorgu, has called for urgent grassroots action to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV), describing the menace as a direct threat to families, faith institutions, and community development.
Prof. Nwaorgu made the call during the opening ceremony of a Three-Day Capacity Building Training for Christian women leaders in Ikem Community, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State. The training, which started on February 16, 2026, focuses on prevention and response to GBV. The programme is supported by Women Aid Collective (WACOL) and forms part of a two-year national initiative “Empowering Christian Women and Women Leaders of Culture for Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria through the Strengthening of Grassroots Organizations” currently being implemented across 11 states in Nigeria.
According to her, preliminary community assessments revealed that domestic violence—particularly wife battering and abandonment—remains the most prevalent form of abuse in Ikem.
She noted that GBV is rooted in unequal power relations, religious misinterpretations, and deeply entrenched patriarchal norms, with consequences that destabilize families, weaken community cohesion, and hinder national development.
“Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a pervasive violation of human rights that cuts across cultures, religions, and social classes. In Nigeria, GBV affects women, men, and children; however, women and girls are disproportionately impacted. Rooted in unequal power relations, harmful cultural practices, religious misinterpretations, and entrenched patriarchal norms, GBV manifests in physical, sexual, psychological, economic, and socio-cultural forms. Its consequences are devastating—undermining individual dignity, destabilizing families, weakening community cohesion, and hindering national development,” she said.
She emphasized that while GBV cases appear more visible within community settings than in churches, both religious and traditional institutions must collaborate to address the problem. “This training is about strengthening a movement that places women at the forefront of justice, dignity, and transformation. Together, we can build a community where violence has no place,” she stated.
Based on findings from the assessment, she recommended continuous sensitization of religious and traditional groups, strengthening the capacity of Umuada and other community stakeholders, active involvement of men and boys in GBV programming, and sustained community engagement to challenge harmful norms.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the programme and Chairman of the Isi-Uzo Traditional Ruling Council, HRH Igwe Okey Ogbodo of Ikem Uno Community, described marriage as a divine institution that must be protected from violence. “Marriage is the only institution made by God. Other institutions are man-made, like universities and factories. Because God instituted marriage, He hates divorce,” the monarch said.
He stressed that gender-based violence is a major cause of divorce and child abuse.
“Most children from violent or broken homes grow up without proper direction. It is always better for husband and wife to live in peace and harmony by all means,” he advised.
The traditional ruler commended Global Health Awareness Research Foundation for bringing the sensitization programme to Ikem and called for collective action. “All hands must be on deck in fighting gender-based violence at all cost. If families live in peace, automatically the society will be peaceful,” he noted.
Also speaking, the Women Leader of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Isi-Uzo Chapter, Mrs. Chukwuemeka Josephine, described the training as timely and empowering. “Here in Ikem, we have heard about GBV, but we lacked support to move forward due to poor finances. Now we have people we can beckon on any time, any day,” she said.
She praised Prof. Nwaorgu for her commitment to women’s rights and capacity building. “With this training, we now know our rights, how to stand, when to stand, and what to do when faced with GBV challenges,” she added.
Advising victims, she urged women not to suffer in silence.“Any woman facing GBV should not pretend. Speak out to the necessary authorities for help. Do not hide in shame trying to protect your marriage. You might die in that process if care is not taken,” she warned, while calling on government to provide stronger support for NGOs.
The training will equip 20 Christian women leaders from Ikem Uno, Ikem Etiti, Ikem Umuaram, and Ikem Nkwo with the knowledge and skills needed to identify, prevent, and respond to Gender-Based Violence within their communities.
Participants are expected to serve as community change agents, spreading awareness through churches, peer networks, and community outreaches.
The initiative underscores GHARF’s commitment to promoting gender-responsive leadership and strengthening grassroots structures to ensure safer families and a more peaceful society in Ikem and beyond.
Participants engaged in group work, experience sharing, and practical sessions aimed at strengthening coordinated action against GBV.
The workshop also served as a platform to reinforce partnerships with religious and cultural institutions, recognizing their central role in shaping values, protecting survivors, and promoting gender equality.
Participants expressed a renewed commitment to break the culture of silence, support survivors, and champion safe, inclusive, and violence-free communities as they all signed a commitment form to be GBV Advocate.
Together, we can build safer communities, amplify women’s voices, and create a society where dignity and equality thrive.
Tamarsarc.
End
Ford Foundation
UN Women
Girlswill Ng
