Enugu Speaker Seeks Stronger Community Action Against Gender-Based Violence
…others lend support
Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Chief Uche Ugwu, has urged communities across the state to deepen collaboration and dialogue in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Speaking at an SGBV dialogue supported by the Ford Foundation and organised by Ada Oji-River Optimal Communications in Enugu on recently, Chief Ugwu described SGBV as a grave human rights violation that strips victims of dignity and hope. He stressed that ending the scourge required collective responsibility.
“Silence in the face of atrocities is complicity. We must build a society where survivors are heard, not blamed. Everyone has a role to play,” he said.
The speaker commended survivors who have spoken out, noting that their courage was driving reforms and encouraging more open conversations. He added that continuous public engagement, particularly with young people, would help promote respect, equality and non-violence.
Executive Director of Ada Oji-River Optimal Communications, Mrs. Onyinye Udeh, described the forum as a celebration of resilience and community action. She said storytelling, dialogue and cultural engagement were helping to dismantle harmful norms that had long silenced women.
She highlighted growing collaboration among traditional rulers, women’s groups and local organisations, saying such partnerships were already producing significant change in communities.
CEO of the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law, Mr. Jude Ilo, praised the Ford Foundation’s decades-long investment in advancing equality in West Africa. He emphasised that women’s rights remain central to societal progress and commended the organisers for creating platforms that support women’s safety and empowerment.
News Agency of Nigeria, reported that a cleric, Rev. Fr. Mario Igbokwe, also said combating SGBV required a transformation of attitudes and healing of trauma. He reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s stance against all forms of abuse and called for increased access to psychotherapy, women’s economic empowerment and continuous public sensitization to break cycles of violence.
