The Christian Association of Nigeria has called for an end to gender-based violence, committing to fight against the widespread issue affecting numerous lives nationwide.
During a high-level dialogue on gender-based violence held in Abuja on Tuesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, denounced the scourge, highlighting its extensive impact on communities.
Archbishop Okoh stressed the vital responsibility of religious leaders to vocalize their opposition to gender-based violence and to strive for a more just and equitable society.
“As religious leaders, we must give moral leadership in speaking out against all forms of violence and injustice, including gender-based violence, and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all to live and flourish in without fear of discrimination or intimidation,”Okoh said.
The CAN President praised the organizers of the dialogue for uniting stakeholders from various sectors to discuss strategies for preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
He encouraged participants to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and commit to taking tangible actions to address the issue within their communities.
Okoh said, “In the fight against GBV in our society and our world, we must be sincere and give it all the time, energy, and resources that are required.
“I urge all participants to engage in constructive dialogue, share best practices, and commit to taking concrete actions to address gender-based violence in our communities.
“Let us stand in solidarity with survivors, advocate for their rights, and work towards ending the cycle of violence for future generations.”
The United Nations reports that one in three women has faced physical violence, and one in ten women has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
These troubling statistics highlight the urgency of the issue, which CAN has vowed to address directly.
