WABMA Foundation combines cultural diversity celebration with grassroots anti-gender-based violence campaign in South East Nigeria markets (See pictures)

Global Patriot StaffMay 23, 2025

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Evangelist Prsicilia Ogbonna (Second Right with Cap) and Project VLCF Team Abia State.

Pastor Christian Eze of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Enugu State) during the outreach

South East Nigeria

May 21, 2025

Harnessing the global celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, the WABMA Foundation amplified the voices of its Leaders of Faith and Culture (LFCs) to spearhead anti-Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) advocacy.

Mobilizing LFCs across bustling markets in South Eastern Nigeria, the initiative transformed cultural diversity celebrations into a platform for grassroots change. Equipped with megaphones, the LFCs engaged communities directly, blending culturally resonant dialogue with urgent calls to action against SGBV, fostering unity and awareness through the power of local leadership.

During these outreaches, Pastor Christian Eze (Enugu), a key Leader of Faith, spoke extensively on various harmful cultural practices. He addressed critical issues such as early child marriage, unhealthy gender roles, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), unbalanced expectations for fidelity from different genders, and harmful widowhood practices. Market men and women present at the events also highlighted some of these detrimental cultural practices, sharing their perspectives and experiences.

Pastor Christian Eze powerfully used scriptures to advocate gender justice, providing a theological basis for equality and fairness in culture. The audience actively participated, asking insightful questions and receiving clarifications from Pastor Christian, fostering a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. Additionally, a few cases of SGBV were reported during the outreach, underscoring the urgent need for continued intervention.

In Abia State, a dynamic sensitization campaign led by Evangelist Priscillia Ogbonna galvanized communities to confront harmful norms while celebrating cultural pride. Addressing crowds with impassioned resolve, Ogbonna declared, ‘We say YES to the dignity of every human in our community; we say YES to cultural practices that uplift the beauty of our people!’ Her rallying cry underscored the campaign’s dual focus: eradicating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and reclaiming traditions that foster unity and respect. Through town hall dialogues, market engagements, and collaborative workshops, Ogbonna and her team empowered locals to redefine cultural values, blending advocacy with ancestral pride. The initiative not only amplified awareness but also ignited grassroots momentum for a future where dignity and heritage thrive hand in hand.

Amid the Anambra State sensitization event, a survivor bravely recounted her ordeal of systemic disempowerment following her husband’s death. Through tearful pauses, she described how her in-laws seized her late spouse’s properties and locked away her personal belongings, leaving her destitute and voiceless. ‘Overnight, I lost not just my husband, but my home, dignity, and even my own clothes—trapped in a room I could no longer enter,’ she shared. Anambra State Project VLFC Coordinator Yohanna Rachel emphasized, ‘Her resilience exposes how abuse masquerades as tradition. We stand with her to reclaim kinship that protects, not plunders.’ The session concluded with a surge in community pledges to report SGBV cases, signaling a shift from complicity to action.

This initiative leveraged the vibrant community spaces of local markets to disseminate crucial messages about SGBV prevention, response, and the importance of breaking the cycle of violence. WABMA Foundation believes that by reaching people in their everyday environments, they could foster a more direct and impactful conversation about this critical issue.

The market outreach was held in these locations as follows:

Enugu State:

Venue: Ogbete Main Market, Enugu
Time: 10:00 AM
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Abia State:

Venue: Umuahia Main Market, Isi Gate
Time: 11:00 AM
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Anambra State:

Venue: Nibo Market, Awka
Time: 8:00 AM
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

WABMA Foundation is committed to fostering a society free from SGBV and believes that such grassroots efforts are fundamental to achieving this goal. The organization looks forward to media integration in amplifying these important messages and encouraging community participation in the fight against SGBV.

Contact Us
• Email: foundation@wabma.org
• Phone: 07067153751
• Website: www.wabma.org/foundation