By Titilayo Kupoliyi
Nipping Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the bud is a collective responsibility.
This was the submission of participants at the end of a 4-day workshop in Ibadan, organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation; Youthcare Development and Empowerment Initiative (YcDEI).
The participants, who were all female Christian leaders were selected across the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) from five (5) local governments in Ibadan.
They were trained on issues relating to Gender-Based Violence, including meaning, forms, causes and consequences of GBV and further explored how cultural norms, religious beliefs, myths and stereotypes create an enabling environment for GBV to thrive.
During the capacity building workshop, participants also examined topics such as gender roles; religious’ and stakeholders’ responsibilities in handling GBV cases; creating safe spaces and support system for survivors of GBV.
Two of the participants, Mrs Sarah Oluwatoyin and Dr. Bosade Ogunlana described the programme as timely and pledged to work with other stakeholders to reduce Gender-Based Violence to the barest minimum.
Dr Ogunlana said, “It has been a great opportunity to be part of this programme, I am ready to work with organisations to end every form of Gender-Based Violence”.
Mrs Oluwatoyin also affirmed that “Personally, I am ready to be an ambassador to fight against Gender-Based Violence as from now”.
The convener of the Programme and the Executive Director of YcDEI, Professor Adefunke Ekine opined that the training was organised for female Christian religious leaders who are also representatives of different Christian denominations in a bid to brainstorm and unravel all forms of Gender-Based Violences that may be occurring within the church.
Professor Ekine identified the vital role the church plays as a great pillar of influence in the home, community and the society as a whole.
She pointed out that women were more passionate about addressing issues relating to Gender-Based Violence as females constitutes the major survivors of GBV, hence the choice of participants.
The YcDEI Executive Director noted that GBV is on the increase and that religious leaders are also part of key stakeholders that are needed to convey messages to their congregation.
“Most people listen to their leaders in church as they see them as God’s representatives”
“Females are passionate about issues that affect their gender and will handle it with all seriousness”.
Furthermore, Professor Ekine pointed out that the Christian faith has some subtle biblical injunctions that are misinterpreted and had enhanced GBV even in churches.
For instance, 1 Corinthians 14: 34 says women should keep silence in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission as the law says.
Also, another bible verse that had often been mis-interpreted is 1 Peter 3:7 which says ‘Likewise, husbands live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honour to the woman as a weaker vessel since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.’
She added that there was also a general misconception that the male child is superior to the female, hence giving them audacity to silence the female most times.
Professor Ekine emphasised that the female Christian leaders who are custodian of faith, beliefs, culture and norms, could serve as voices and role model to other girls / women in their sphere of influence, thereby encouraging them to speak up whenever they were being molested.
The participants were also presented with certificates at the end of the workshop.
They are also expected to commence sensitization on Gender-Based Violence from their churches and proceed to other churches in their catchment areas; visiting churches and counselling GBV survivors, alongside a staff representative of YcDEI in their team.
The training which began on 31st March, 2025, had in attendance representatives from Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Catholic Women Organisation.
Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels, and also join our WhatsApp Update Group.
