As part of it’s efforts to draw the message of gender based violence closer to the grassroot, the women wing of Christian Association of Nigeria,WOWiCAN, has taken the sensitization campaign to Eleme Local Government Area.
Presenting her address at sensitization campaign work at Eleme, National Chairperson of Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria, General Lady Superintendent Dr Elizabeth Ayobami Akinadewo said that the occasion was to launch it’s collaborative project with the UN Women, Titled,’ Traditional and Religious Leaders for Ending Gender Based Violence ( GBV) by Advancing Advocacy, Policy and Social Norms Change in Nigeria and West Africa ( LEAD)”
Dr. Elizabeth Ayobami Akinadewo who was represented by the Director, Interfaith and Ecumenism, Wowican National, Lady Rachel Dienoye Ackot- Joe said that the initiative stands as a beacon of hope and a powerful testament to it’s collective commitment to ending gender-based violence across Nigeria and West Africa, pointing out that Wowican is more united by a shared vision to create a society where every individual, regardless of gender, can live free from fear, violence and oppression.
According to General Lady Superintendent Dr Elizabeth Ayobami Akinadewo, the role of Traditional and Religious Leaders in the various communities cannot be overemphasized, as they are the custodians of the heritage, guardians of the people’s values and the voices of the people, adding that the influence and leadership of the traditional and religious are crucial in shaping societal norms and fostering environments where justice and equality can flourish.
She opined that the Lead project seek to harness the esteemed positions of both the traditional rulers and the religious leaders to advance advocacy, influence policy and drive social norms change that will protect and empower women and girls.
She further stated that Wowican collaboration with UN Women signifies a significant step forward in it’s journey, noting that their unwavering dedication to gender equality and the empowerment of women worldwide provides a solid foundation for the sucess of the initiative, even as she asserts that they will engage in meaningful dialogue, build strategic partnership and implement actionable strategies to combate Gender Based Violence as well as promote a culture of respect and dignity for all.
The Wowican National Chairperson maintained that true change begins with each member, pointing out that it is their collective responsibility to change harmful traditions, advocate for robust policies and champion social norms that uphold the rights and dignity of every individual, adding that by doing, the legacy of equality and justice for generations.
Earlier, Rivers state Chairperson of Women, senior mother Josephine Adaobi Ibrah asserts that the ugly situation of gender based violence must end.
She urges all and Sunday to go and dessiminate the message of violence against girls and women in the various churches, preach and sensitize the message to everybody.
In her speech, Founder,Shama christian centre international church,Eleme, Arch Bishop Lizzy Paul Obellechu said that Wowican is a body of christians, saying that the on going sensitization campaign encourages unity amongst the Christian and Muslims, adding that Wowican is uniting to be stronger.
Prominent among other speakers is the caretaker Committee chairman of Eleme Local government area,Hon.Brain Gokpa who promised to identify with Wowican to drive home their vision.
Meanwhile, the resource person, Dr. Diana Babbo stressed the need for advocacy campaign to spread the information in order to end gender based violence against girls and women.
Dr Bobbo who was represented by Mrs Oghuvbu outlined the various violence which include, physical violence, social and domestic among others,
She said that the Title of the paper is,” What Do You See, What Do You Say. When you see something, you say something,”adding that when you get information, say it or share with people. Don’t close your.mouth, she summed up.