Abuja: The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is calling for more robust enforcement mechanisms to protect victims of gender-based violence and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. The association is also urging church leaders to spearhead efforts against violence inflicted on women and girls in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, emphasized these points during the inauguration of the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Project in Abuja. The event, themed ‘Christian Leaders’ Response to Violence Against Women and Girls’, gathered faith leaders, civil society organizations, and advocates to address the pressing issue.
Okoh highlighted the pervasive abuse and exploitation faced by women and girls, stressing the importance of addressing these issues within communities across Nigeria. “We are daily confronted with heartbreaking stories of abuse, exploitation, and violence, often perpetrated in silence,” he stated.
The project aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence and its devastating impact on families and communities. CAN plans to train clergy and church workers on recognizing, preventing, and responding to abuse cases while promoting survivor-centered support systems that uphold the dignity of women and girls.
Archbishop Okoh called on Christian leaders to end the culture of silence and shame surrounding gender-based violence. “As Christian leaders, we must join forces with other humanitarian organizations that want an end to this anomaly. Men and women of God must not be silent when women are being brutalized in their homes and communities,” he asserted.
He also praised the efforts of the Ford Foundation and WEWE for their dedication to promoting gender justice and supporting faith-based approaches to social transformation. Okoh emphasized the significance of collaboration between faith-based and humanitarian organizations, noting that such partnerships demonstrate the impact of faith-driven advocacy and service.
Referencing Isaiah 1:17, Okoh reminded attendees of the biblical mandate to defend the vulnerable and urged the church to emulate Jesus’ example by creating safe spaces and speaking out against injustice.
