NGO Urges Community Leaders in Ogun to Combat Gender-Based Violence
The Center for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN), a prominent non-governmental organization, has issued a call to action for traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders in Ogun State. The goal is to intensify efforts to eradicate harmful cultural practices that violate the rights and dignity of women and girls.
This appeal comes in response to the pervasive social and psychological effects of ongoing violence, discrimination, and inhumane treatment of women, often justified under the guise of cultural norms. CEWHIN emphasized that addressing these issues is critical for the empowerment and safety of women in the region.
CEWHIN made this announcement during a recent town hall meeting focused on the prevention of violence against women and girls (VAWG). The event took place in Ijebu-Ode, part of Ogun East Senatorial District, and was organized in collaboration with the Ford Foundation. Under the theme ‘Partnerships for Strengthening VAWG Prevention among Religious and Traditional Stakeholders in Ogun State’, this meeting marks the second year of CEWHIN’s campaign aimed at eradicating violence against women and girls in the state.
Participants at the meeting highlighted several contributing factors to the prevalence of violence against women, including harmful cultural practices, poverty, ignorance, and inadequate access to education. There was a unanimous consensus on the importance of collective action to challenge the societal norms that perpetuate discrimination and deny women their fundamental rights.
A participant voiced the urgent need to dismantle the walls created by damaging belief systems that undermine the dignity of women and girls. Beyond legal reforms, they stressed the importance of political commitment, community engagement, and sustained advocacy to eliminate these harmful practices.
During the discussions, stakeholders examined socialization patterns and cultural norms that foster gender-based violence, as well as the challenges faced in implementing effective prevention strategies. They proposed actionable, community-driven solutions to help reduce instances of violence against women and girls.
CEWHIN underscored the pivotal role that community leaders play in fostering positive social values and promoting gender equality. Traditional rulers and faith-based leaders are essential in creating an environment where women and girls can thrive, and stakeholders acknowledged that mere legislation would not suffice to dismantle entrenched cultural traditions.
Ongoing awareness campaigns targeting traditional religious institutions and youth were deemed necessary, alongside empowering community leaders to advocate for cultural values that uplift human dignity. Participants also emphasized the need for grassroots education, economic empowerment programs for women, and the rigorous enforcement of existing laws designed to protect women and girls from violence and discrimination.
The stakeholders reached a common understanding that all traditions and cultural beliefs that undermine women’s rights must be critically assessed and, when harmful, discarded. However, Alhaji Amrudun Jamiu, the Babaloja of Olabisi Onabanjo Market in Ijebu Ode, cautioned against completely dismissing beneficial cultural practices. He argued that preserving traditions that promote discipline and family values is vital for societal cohesion.
Alhaji Jamiu also advised young individuals contemplating marriage to conduct thorough background checks on prospective partners, stressing that marriage decisions should extend beyond emotional and financial factors. He urged that understanding one’s partner’s familial values and traditions is critical for healthy relationships.
At the conclusion of the meeting, stakeholders collectively called for men to treat women with the respect and dignity they deserve. They recognized that eradicating violence against women and girls requires a concerted effort across families, communities, religious institutions, and governments.
Julian Afatun, CEWHIN’s Senior Program Manager, shared the organization’s vision for mobilizing traditional and religious leaders to take a leading role in preventing violence against women. She emphasized the importance of these leaders using their influence for positive change, advocating for respect and equality, and fostering safer environments for women and girls within their communities.
