In a continued effort to combat the rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), with support from the Ford Foundation on the Side-by-Side Movement for Gender Justice Scale-up Project, yesterday 2nd of December 2024, commenced a three-day capacity-building and dialogue session for duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Benue State.
The initiative aims to strengthen preventive strategies and enhance collaboration among stakeholders in the fight against SGBV.
A statement by the project focal person at the Centre, Mr. Nyong Essien, highlighted the urgent need for a paradigm shift in addressing SGBV. He noted that prevention, rather than response, is key to protecting women and girls from the devastating impacts of violence.
He noted that “Despite various interventions, gender-based violence continues to rise in alarming dimensions across the country. This session is a call to action for stakeholders to adopt preventive strategies that can effectively address this menace at its roots,” Mr. Nyong stated.
The event will also introduce participants to the Side-by-Side Movement for Gender Justice, a global coalition of faith leaders, people of faith, and faith-based organizations united in the pursuit of gender equity.
The three-day session will feature workshops, expert-led discussions, and interactive dialogue designed to foster collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society organizations.
The Centre calls on all stakeholders, including policymakers, faith leaders, traditional rulers, and community members, to join hands in the collective fight against SGBV, ensuring that every individual can live free from violence and oppression.
