Ebonyi Faith Based Organization Raises Capacity of Church Workers, CSOs on GBV Prevention
Ebonyi people have been tasked to employ effective use of advocacy, referral linkages and networking in fighting all forms of gender based violence in the state.
The charge was an outcome of a one day capacity building for the Clergy, civil Society Organizations and other GBV stakeholders in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.
The event was organised by the Anglican Compassion and Development Initiative in partnership with the Health and Community Development initiative of the Anglican Diocese of Abakaliki, faith based organizations.
The Anglican Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Monday Nkwoagu, in his speech at the event, emphasized that gender based violence has become a human right issue, stating that the goal of the training was to contribute to the prevention of violence against women and girls, through the strategic involvement of at least, 75% of the Anglican Dioceses and parishes in Nigeria.
Nkwoagu who was represented by the programme officer of ADOAHACDI, Rev. Chukwunenye Umeokafor, said the Prevent Gender Based Violence project tagged "CON Prevent GBV Project" was an initiative of the Church aimed at bringing a transformational response to the challenges of Gender Based Violence in communities, beginning with the Anglican Communion congregations all over the country.
He emphasized that the objectives of the project included the promotion of advocacy, referrals, linkages to knowledge, capacity enhancement, networking and information management systems in achieving GBV prevention.
Participants in the training, including delegates from different parishes of Abakaliki Diocese of Anglican Communion, some CSO leaders and Clergy were engaged in workshop sessions, group discussions on definition and causes of GBV, biblical perspectives on GBV and sex among other topical issues such as gender roles, norms and their possible implications on individuals, families and communities.
Also discussed extensively at the training were scriptures revealing the mind of God for all mankind as well as some negative effects of gender roles and norms on individuals, families and communities.
In a presentation, the training facilitator defined gender based violence as any harmful act perpetrated against a person based on the socially ascribed differences between male and female.
He added that GBV included, but not limited to physical, sexual and psychological harm. He described extortion, intimidation, bullying, deprivation of basic necessities of life such as food, education, shelter, and freedom within the family or the community as aspects of GBV.
He urged participants to step down the training in their various parishes and congregations.
Speaking to Newsmen, some of the participants including Margret Nworie, Njideka Ugbala, among others commended ACADI and ADOAHACDI for the training.
They promised to step down the training in their Churches, families and communities.