Christian Leaders Urged to Combat Gender-Based Violence

A two-day capacity-building meeting was held at the Idi Aba Baptist Church in Abeokuta, Ogun State, organized by the Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN) in collaboration with the Ford Foundation. The meeting urged Christian leaders to take an active role in preventing gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls.

Mr. Atinuk Odukoya, the Executive Director of CEWHIN, emphasized the various forms of abuse, including physical violence and sexual exploitation, and called for religious institutions to implement effective safeguards to minimize opportunities for abuse. Dr. Stephen Ilesanmi from the University of Ibadan urged church leaders not to shield offenders, regardless of their status.

Rev. Adeeko Gbolahan condemned violence against women and highlighted the need for Christian teachings to promote love and respect. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of religious stakeholders to identify and respond to violence against women and girls, addressing a significant social challenge in Nigeria.