Eradicate Gender Based Violence- HOS Urges Religious Leaders, CSOs

The Federal Government has called for the collaboration of Faith Based Organizations and Civil Society Groups to eradicate Gender-Based Violence, GBV in the country.

The Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson- Jack made the call in Abuja at a stakeholders’ dialogue organized by The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion in collaboration with Ford Foundation titled ‘Ways to Ending Gender-Based Violence”.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary Service Policies and Strategies office Mrs Deborah Odoh, The head of the Civil Service of the Federation challenged religious communities to confront GBV head-on saying global statistics on violence against women represent lives marked by pain, fear, and injustice.

She outlined the failure of religious institutions to protect their own, noting, “Too many women and girls, and indeed some men and boys, have suffered abuse within the very spaces that should have offered refuge and redemption.

“Too often, survivors are told to pray harder, endure for the sake of the family, or forgive and forget”

“Misinterpretations of scripture are sometimes used to justify domination or excuse harm. But let us be clear. Gender-based violence is not a private matter. It is a public sin. It is not cultural. It is moral. It is not the will of God. It is a violation of His image in humanity.”

The head of Service urged Faith Based Organizations to become safe sanctuaries by establishing confidential reporting systems, training counsellors and ushers to recognise signs of abuse, and creating discrete ‘safe pews’ where survivors can be connected to support services.

“No leader is above accountability. Protecting the church’s image at the expense of justice only deepens the wound. Transparency, oversight, and clear disciplinary processes are vital,” she said.

Also, the National Coordinator of Anglican Compassion and Development Initiative ACADI, Mrs Abiodun Ipinmoye, while calling for proactive measures to end the menace of gender-based violence, insisted the church must move beyond the culture of silence.

“We are going into the fact that the perpetrator must not be left at large. Survivors must be heard. When people say there is no gender-based violence in the Church, we want to disagree with that, because the people that are in the community perpetrating gender-based violence are the same people in the Church,”

The Regional Director of the Ford Foundation for West Africa, Dr Chichi Aniagolu, linked the fight against gender-based violence to broader social and economic justice.

According to her, Gender-based violence prevents the dignity of women crippling impact on women’s ability to participate in political, social, and economic life.

The Chairman of ACADI, Prof Adesegun Fatusi, stressed the critical importance of involving youths in the fight against Gender Based Violence.

The dialogue concluded with a resolute commitment from all stakeholders to transform dialogue into tangible action, ensuring churches become true sanctuaries of safety, dignity, and love for all.

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace