Concerned by injustices affecting women and children, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion through the Anglican Compassion and Development Initiative (ACADI), has embarked on a transformational response to combating gender based violence (GBV).
This is part of the Church’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) with the objective of stemming the tide of GBV, which is mostly meted to the female gender in Nigeria.
Rev. Victor Eboh, Desk Officer of ACADI in Kaduna State,disclosed this when he led a team of the organisation on a courtesy visit to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Zonal Office in Kaduna.
Eboh said the three-year project would involve the use of relevant theological materials, developing a manual curriculum and other electronic material for creating awareness, encouraging conversations and teaching leaders within the Church.
This is to achieve the desired behavioral change ultimately leading to the desired goal of preventing and reducing GBV.
“This will involve Biblical teachings, bible studies, focus groups discussions, community dialogue, small group meetings among men, women and youth, Advocacy visits to stakeholders.
“Others would include; life skill Education/ Empowerment in Schools, psycho-social and pastoral counselling, knowledge and capacity enhancement with teachers, religious leaders and community leaders
among others,” Eboh said.
The clergy said the project, expected at the end of the three years, was expected to have contributed to the prevention and reduction of violence against women and girls by between 70 and 75 per cent.
“We seek collaboration with NAN knowing fully well her vital role as stakeholder to achieving the vision of this project,” he said.
The Kaduna Zonal Manager of the agency, promised a robust partnership with the group to combat the menace of GBV in the country.. (NAN)