Edo Community Rises: United Front Against Gender-Based Violence Ignites Hope

 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick* 

Benin City, Edo State – In a powerful display of community solidarity, the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI), in collaboration with women religious and the Catholic Women Organization, spearheaded a pivotal sensitization and advocacy event aimed at eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) and discrimination against women and girls. Held from July 15th to 18th, 2025, at the Archdiocesan Chancery on Airport Road, Benin City, the four-day gathering rallied diverse stakeholders under a shared commitment to justice, dignity, and equality.

The seminar, themed "Ending Gender-Based Violence: Upholding Dignity, Equality, and Justice in Our Communities," was expertly facilitated by Mr. Samuel Akorokpor. He guided participants through insightful sessions that delved into the complex root causes, harsh realities, and devastating impacts of GBV. Akorokpor emphasized that "Ending gender-based violence is about upholding dignity, equality, and justice in our communities," a statement that resonated deeply and fueled spirited discussions and collaborative group activities.

A Call for United Action

Rev. Fr. Benedict Onwugbenu, speaking on behalf of the Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC), set the tone for the event in his welcome address, underscoring the critical need for united community action to achieve justice and peace. He highlighted that GBV, a pervasive violation of human rights, leaves lasting scars and impacts millions globally, including within Edo State. Fr. Benedict's powerful message, "The fight against gender-based violence belongs to all of us—men, women, and every member of our community," underscored the collective responsibility in this crucial endeavor.

The comprehensive program featured poignant local testimonies, shedding light on the real-life experiences of survivors. Participants also gained valuable insights into the Church's perspective on women's dignity and explored practical strategies for GBV prevention, supporting survivors, and transforming harmful societal norms.

Broadening the Alliance: A Pledge to Break the Silence

A significant highlight of the event was the robust representation from various sectors, signifying a truly community-wide commitment.

 Prominent figures from the Royal Palace, the Islamic faith, and other religious organizations joined government representatives, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media practitioners, faith leaders, and youth. 

This diverse coalition collectively pledged to break the pervasive silence surrounding GBV, renewing their dedication to advocacy and concrete action.

Understanding the Landscape of GBV

The seminar provided a clear and concise definition of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as "harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender," rooted in gender inequality, power imbalances, and harmful norms. Key facts were shared, emphasizing that GBV disproportionately affects women and girls but also impacts boys, men, and gender-diverse individuals, encompassing physical, sexual, psychological, and economic harm.

Discrimination was defined as "unfair or unequal treatment based on a person's gender, sex, or sexual identity, limiting their rights and opportunities." Examples cited included the denial of education for girls, unequal pay, barriers to leadership, and the stigmatization of GBV survivors.

Types and Realities of GBV in Nigeria

Participants were educated on the various forms of GBV:

 * Physical Violence: Hitting, slapping, choking.

 * Sexual Violence: Rape, sexual harassment, coercion.

 * Psychological/Emotional Violence: Verbal abuse, threats, intimidation.

 * Economic Violence: Denying access to financial resources, education, or employment.

 * Harmful Traditional Practices: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early/forced marriage, widowhood rites.

The current situation in Nigeria was candidly discussed, highlighting prevalent issues such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, girl-child neglect, widow maltreatment, denial of inheritance rights, and early/forced marriage. Local realities painted a stark picture, with examples like a 13-year-old girl forced into marriage, a widow dispossessed of her home, a teenage girl silenced by fear after teacher harassment, and a woman brutalized for not bearing a male child.

Addressing Root Causes and Impacts

The seminar meticulously explored the multifaceted root causes of GBV and discrimination, including patriarchy and power imbalance, gender stereotypes and cultural beliefs, poverty and economic inequality, conflict and displacement, weak laws or poor enforcement, silence and stigma, religious misinterpretation, and lack of educational awareness.

The far-reaching impact of GBV was also examined:

 * On Survivors: Physical injuries, STIs, trauma, shame, isolation.

 * On Families: Broken homes, mistrust, fear.

 * On Communities: Increased poverty, reduced productivity.

 * On Development: Slowed progress toward gender equality, peace, and justice.

Legal Frameworks and the Church's Stance

Participants were informed about existing legal and policy frameworks, both national (VAPP Act 2015, Child Rights Act 2003, National Gender Policy) and international (CEDAW, SDG 5, Maputo Protocol).

Crucially, the seminar addressed what the Church says regarding GBV, emphasizing that every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), that Jesus uplifted women, and the biblical affirmation that "There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). The role of clergy, religious women, and laity in teaching, protecting, reporting, and intervening was highlighted.

Strategies for Prevention and Response

Effective prevention strategies discussed included education and awareness, community engagement and dialogue, promoting positive masculinities, strengthening laws and enforcement, empowering women and girls, and supporting survivors while ending stigma.

For responding to GBV, the program outlined critical steps: medical support (healthcare, PEP for survivors), psychosocial support (counseling, safe spaces), legal aid and justice services, shelters and temporary housing, and referral mechanisms for coordinated response networks.

Role of Stakeholders and the Imperative to Speak Out

The diverse roles of stakeholders were clearly defined:

 * Government: Policies, funding, enforcement.

 * Community leaders & religious institutions: Breaking harmful norms.

 * CSOs & NGOs: Advocacy, service provision, training.

 * Media: Responsible reporting and education.

 * Youth & Men: Champions for change.

A resounding call was made to "Break the Silence," asserting that staying silent protects abusers while speaking out protects the vulnerable. Encouragement was given for safe reporting systems, non-judgmental listening, community support for survivors, and engaging men as allies.

Our Collective Role and a Forward Look

The seminar concluded by outlining our collective role in ending GBV: speaking out against abuse, supporting survivors with compassion, promoting gender equality, challenging harmful stereotypes, and being a role model for respectful behavior.

 The closing quote from UN Women reinforced the urgency: "The rights of women and girls are not up for negotiation. To achieve justice and peace, we must end gender-based violence and discrimination."

The event culminated in group activities where participants discussed common GBV practices in their areas, reasons for their persistence, and collective actions to end them, fostering a sense of shared ownership and empowerment.

 Resources and referral pathways, including the National Helpline (622) and FIDA Nigeria, were also provided to ensure continued support.

This transformative gathering marks a significant step forward for the Edo community, demonstrating a renewed and unified commitment to building a safer, more equitable future for women and girls.