Group seeks community-based approach to end GBV in Adamawa

On Jun 19, 2024

The Anglican Compassion and Development Initiative(ACADI), an NGO, has called for community involvement and other stakeholders coordinated efforts to end the rising cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Adamawa.

Rev. Ifeanyichukwu Mmaduakonam, GBV Desk Officer of the Anglican Dioceses of Yola, made the call in an interview with the Newsmen on Wednesday in Yola.

Mmaduakonam said the increasing cases of GBV in the country prompted the Church Of Nigeria (CON) through ACADI, to embark on a transformational response to GBV aimed at preventing and reducing it’s occurrence.

He said that the role of churches for effective GBV response involves a shift from focusing only on private spiritual matters to public social issues.

Mmaduakonam explained that GBV is a violation of fundamental human right which affects anyone, and cuts across class, race, ethnicity, religion, educational background among others.

He stressed that unified efforts and community involvement, as well as government implementation of policies would reduce and eventually end GBV cases in the country.

“In Nigeria, GBV manifests in various forms, including physical, sexual and psychological harm such as abuse, bullying, rape, genital cutting, early and forced marriage, deprivation of basic necessities of life.

“ACADI has conducted several key projects on social intervention and capacity building since it’s establishment in 2021 on GBV across the country.

“We use manuals, theological materials to create awearness, encourage conversations to teach leaders and community dwellers, on their rights and what constitutes GBV.

“In Adamawa, we had community dialogue with religious and traditional leaders, trained over 150 people in some LGA’s on GBV, set up GBV clubs in schools for teachers and students,” he said.

The clergy said the programmes executed were community based, geared towards behavioural change with a view to end the practice in the society.

He called on stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional and religious leaders, security operatives, citizens to unite efforts and eradicate the menace.

Mmaduakonam further emphasised the need to ensure perpetrators of GBV are prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others, while stressing the role of media through public awareness on ending GBV.

NAN/Wumi