The wife of the Imo State Governor, Chioma Uzodimma, has called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and other community stakeholders to spearhead the campaign against gender-based violence (GBV), stressing that lasting change can only be achieved through grassroots advocacy and collective action.
Mrs Uzodimma made the call during a two-day advocacy programme and town hall meeting on the prevention of gender-based violence held in Owerri. The event was organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum in partnership with the Ford Foundation and themed, “Empowering Grassroots Champions for Gender-Based Violence Prevention.”
The programme brought together wives of local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women leaders and community advocates to strengthen community-driven efforts aimed at preventing violence against women and girls.
Addressing participants, the First Lady described the gathering as more than an advocacy meeting, saying it was a call to leadership, responsibility and action.
She noted that many harmful practices have persisted because they have become normalized over generations, emphasizing that respected community leaders possess the influence needed to challenge harmful social norms and promote positive change.
According to her, wives of local government chairmen occupy a unique position within communities and are often the first to notice signs of abuse before they escalate into serious cases.
Mrs Uzodimma urged participants to become champions of justice, lawful intervention and support for survivors, rather than allowing violence and abuse to remain hidden.
“Violence is not culture. Abuse is not discipline. Protecting women and girls does not weaken society; it strengthens it,” she said.
She further encouraged traditional and religious leaders to use their platforms to speak openly against abuse, protect vulnerable persons and foster communities built on justice, compassion and peace.
Earlier, the programme facilitator and Director in the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Blessing Azubuike, said the initiative was designed to take the campaign against gender-based violence beyond government institutions to the grassroots.
She explained that engaging community leaders would help dismantle harmful cultural practices, improve the reporting of abuse and strengthen community-based response mechanisms.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs Chinenyenwa Owuamalam, described gender-based violence as a major obstacle to the health, education and economic advancement of women and girls.
She commended Mrs Uzodimma for championing grassroots interventions, expressing optimism that the initiative would inspire lasting behavioural change across communities in Imo State.
Participants at the meeting pledged to intensify awareness campaigns, support survivors and collaborate with relevant authorities to promote safer homes and communities.
The two-day programme also featured community dialogues, advocacy sessions, the unveiling of public awareness materials and the inauguration of a network of grassroots advocates expected to sustain the fight against gender-based violence across Imo State.
