Communal Care Centre (CCC), a Non-Governmental Organization in Imo State with its Head Office in Oguta, Imo State has held a three-day Stakeholders engagement on Gender-Sensitive Protection Mechanisms and Inclusivity. The program which was conducted in Akabor, Ejemekwuru, Mgbirichi and Umuokanne in Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Areas, had in attendance participants drawn from members of the traditional council, town union, religious leaders, persons with disabilities, women and youth leaders.

The activity is part of the two years project being implemented by Communal Care Centre under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (RWVL-N) Project, supported by ActionAid Nigeria and funded by Global Affairs Canada. It is aimed at supporting women in conflict situations by amplifying their voices and strengthening their capacity for sustainable livelihoods.

Addressing participants during the programme, the Executive Director of Communal Care Centre, Mrs. Colette Bennett, said the project seeks to strengthen the capacities of community leaders, women groups, and women with disabilities on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention, conflict resolution, peace building and inclusivity. She noted that without targeted interventions, many women would remain marginalized in leadership and decision making, thereby limiting their ability to contribute meaningfully to community growth and development.

The facilitator, Mrs. Joy Daberechi Onuoha elaborated on Gender-Based Violence, explaining the causes, consequences, prevention strategies and mitigation mechanisms. She further highlighted the need for communities to embrace gender sensitive protection and inclusivity to give women a sense of belonging.

Prince Chimezie Okoro delivered a session on Conflict Management and Peace-Building Initiatives, describing conflict as a disagreement or clash between individuals, groups or communities, arising from differences in interests, values, needs, or perceptions. He identified various forms, causes and consequences of conflict, emphasizing the importance of including women in community security architecture as according to him, “women are most often the first to get hints of conflict issues and are in better position to promote peace in the family and community”.

Reacting, the women alleged the presence of bandits and herdsmen in their farmland, destroying their crops, raping and kidnapping. They solicited government’s support to contain the activities of the hoodlums.
A participant from Akabor Community said, “women are not regarded in our community, their voices are suppressed and this community don’t appreciate educating the girl-child rather they celebrate girl-child marriage and teenager pregnancies.”

She suggested intensive sensitization of community members and prosecution of offenders to serve as deterrent.
Another community member from Ejemekwuru called for support to dismantle stigma and harmful cultural practices, noting that inclusivity is very critical to ending harmful practices such as widowhood practices and female genital mutilation.

Community leaders agreed that promoting gender equality within communities directly contributes to social cohesion, stability, and reduction in the risk of conflict. They pledged their support for the project and promised to apply the knowledge gained in promoting peace, inclusivity, and the protection of vulnerable groups within their communities.

Stanley Okehie
Communications Officer, CCC
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