Gender-Based Violence: Hacey, Wacol Partner to Empower Christian, Cultural Women Leaders

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
 

HACEY, in a strategic partnership with Women Aid Collective (WACOL), has moved to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

HACEY and WACOL are also launching a transformative project titled “Empowering Christian Women and Women Leaders of Culture for Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.”

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting at Atlantis Grand Suite and Hotel, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, the HACEY, program manager, research and development, David Agala, stressed the partnership would strengthen grassroots organizations.

He explained that project overview will involve implementation, strategy roles, goal, objectives as well as the scope where stakeholders’ expressions of collaboration would be taken.

Also, the initiative kicks off with a Stakeholder Engagement Meeting bringing together key actors from government, faith-based institutions, cultural leadership, civil society, and media across Osun States.

THISDAY noted that despite national efforts, GBV continues to affect one in three Nigerian women (NDHS, 2018), recognizing the powerful influence of faith and culture in shaping societal norms, this project aims to equip Christian women and cultural leaders with the tools and support needed to challenge harmful practices and promote gender equality within their communities.

Also, the stakeholders’ engagement specifically discussed on roles, partnership and alignment as well as collective actionable inputs and insights.

The meeting objectives include introducing the project’s goals and implementation strategy, establishing coordination and technical support structures, validating stakeholder engagement plans.

Also identifying collaboration opportunities with women groups and government ministries, building stakeholder ownership for sustainable impact.

The stakeholders’ engagement featured representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Health, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), State Council of Obas and Chiefs, and various women-focused NGOs and media outlets.

Consequently, the expected outcomes are expected to strengthen understanding and alignment among stakeholders, commitment from key ministries and women leaders, integration of feedback from faith and cultural leaders, established partnerships and communication channels for ongoing collaboration.

Meanwhile, Rhoda Robinson, Executive Director of HACEY, has emphasized the importance of community-led solutions which includes “Empowering women leaders in faith and cultural spaces isn’t just a strategy, it’s a necessity.

She remarked: “These women are trusted voices in their communities. When equipped with the right tools, they become powerful advocates for change, challenging harmful norms, supporting survivors, and leading the charge against gender-based violence.

“This project is uniquely positioned to address the root causes of GBV by engaging Christian and cultural women leaders in sustained advocacy, education, and community action. Together, we can shift mindsets, dismantle harmful practices, and build a society where gender equality is not just a goal, but a lived reality.”

Following the meeting, stakeholder inputs will be integrated into the project’s work plan, and a coordination WhatsApp group will be created to facilitate follow-up communication and technical collaboration.”