Leaders of faith, traditional authorities, civil society groups, and media representatives from South East Nigeria will gather on October 31, 2024, for a pioneering town hall aimed at tackling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
This historic event, organized by the WABMA Media Development Foundation and supported by the Ford Foundation, marks the first large-scale gathering of its kind, bringing together over 100 influential voices to confront the growing issue of SGBV.
The town hall seeks to drive change by encouraging faith and cultural leaders to openly address SGBV, dismantling stigmas and promoting transformative social practices. According to Mr. Odoh Diego Okenyodo, coordinator of the Amplifying the Voices of Leaders of Faith and Culture Project, addressing SGBV requires a shift in the foundational beliefs within communities.
“We need our leaders to be vocal and proactive. This is about showcasing those who are already leading change and urging others to join the effort against gender-based violence,” he said.
Executive Director of the WABMA Foundation, Dr. Ken Ike Okere, emphasized the role of media in driving social progress. “When faith and cultural leaders speak against SGBV, their voices resonate deeply, sparking vital conversations and encouraging action. WABMA is dedicated to amplifying these messages and using media as a catalyst for positive change,” he stated.
With a strong history of impact-focused projects across West Africa, WABMA has previously led initiatives like Project Fact Check Nigeria, which tackled misinformation across 17 states, and a partnership with GIZ to bolster SGBV response capabilities within the Gambia Police Force.
This town hall in Enugu represents another milestone in WABMA’s mission to combat SGBV by leveraging the influence of cultural and faith-based leaders to protect communities and foster a safer Nigeria.