Fight Against Gender-Based Violence: Enugu South Council Boss Backs Capacity Building for Women Leaders in Amechi Awkunanaw

The Executive Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Caleb Onyema Ani, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV), throwing institutional support behind a three-day Capacity Building Training for Christian Women and Women Leaders of Culture in Amechi Awkunanaw Community.

The programme, convened by the Global Health Awareness Research Foundation (GHARF), assembled actors across faith-based, traditional, and community leadership structures in a strategic effort to strengthen grassroots response mechanisms against gender-based violence.

Represented by the Supervisor for Finance, Hon. Miracle Okafor, Dr. Ani conveyed his goodwill to participants and commended GHARF for what he described as a timely and socially consequential intervention.

He noted that GBV remains a deeply entrenched social challenge with far-reaching implications for families and community stability.

The Chairman stressed that gender-based violence is not merely a private or domestic concern, but a governance and human rights issue requiring deliberate policy direction and institutional reinforcement.

He maintained that no individual should endure abuse on the basis of gender and called for a transition from rhetorical advocacy to measurable, systemic action.

Dr. Ani identified the strengthening of the justice system, improved survivor support frameworks, and early education on gender equity as critical pillars in addressing the crisis.

He underscored the importance of accountability, insisting that perpetrators must face legal consequences, while survivors must have unhindered access to justice, protection, and psychosocial support.

Reaffirming the stance of Enugu South Local Government, he assured residents that the administration remains committed to promoting justice, dignity, and equal opportunity.

He urged community members to report incidents of abuse and to actively challenge harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence, describing the protection of vulnerable groups as both a moral obligation and a governance priority.

Hon. Miracle Okafor, Supervisor for Finance, representing the Executive Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Caleb Onyema Ani FCPA, addressing participants during the 3-Day Capacity Building Training for Christian Women and Women Leaders of Culture on Gender-Based Violence in Amechi Awkunanaw.

In her welcome address, the Executive Director of GHARF, Prof. Obioma Nwaorgu, provided an overview of the initiative’s conceptual framework.

She emphasized that sustainable progress in tackling GBV requires intentional grassroots engagement, particularly within religious and traditional institutions that shape social values and community behaviour.

Prof. Nwaorgu disclosed that the training forms part of a two-year intervention project designed to empower Christian women and women leaders of culture as advocates and change agents within their communities.

According to her, baseline findings in Amechi Awkunanaw indicate that while women are active participants in church and community leadership, formal inclusion policies remain limited.

She further revealed that domestic violence, sexual harassment, and child marriage emerged as prevalent concerns within the community. The training, she explained, is structured to equip participants with legal awareness, advocacy tools, and conflict-resolution strategies necessary to drive gender equality and social transformation at the local level.

The Traditional Ruler of Amechi Awkunanaw, HRH Igwe John Omedoaku Ngene, expressed appreciation to the organisers and reiterated the community’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution.

He disclosed that his cabinet has successfully mediated and resolved over 21 cases including matters previously before the courts through dialogue and traditional arbitration, pledging continued collaboration with development partners.

Also speaking, the Archdeacon of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Amechi Awkunanaw, Venerable David Agbo, highlighted the church’s ongoing youth engagement and moral instruction programmes aimed at preventing gender-based violence and promoting responsible social conduct.

Enugu South LG Media