CIRDDOC Nigeria, in collaboration with the Community and Youth Development Initiatives (CYDI) and supported by the Ford Foundation, has emphasised the pivotal role of women in leadership as a strategy to combat conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Imo State. The two-day capacity-building workshop, held on 12–13 November 2025, brought together security agencies, health workers, community leaders, and civil society actors.
Participants were urged to recognise that women’s exclusion from decision-making structures undermines community safety and fuels environments where abuse and impunity thrive. Nigeria ranks 133 out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Index, with women holding less than 10% of national political leadership positions, and even fewer in rural areas where key decisions on security, land, and conflict resolution are made.
Facilitator Benjamin Mbakwem guided attendees through the provisions of the Imo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2021, linking women’s leadership to the prevention and response to SGBV. Discussions stressed the connection between gender equity, human rights, and cultural norms in shaping the vulnerability of women and girls during crises.
CIRDDOC Programme Officer Paschal Anosie highlighted that the project aimed first to expand community awareness of SGBV and its consequences and second to enhance coordination among responders. He noted that early detection of violations and inclusion of women in leadership roles are critical to safeguarding vulnerable groups.
Health practitioner Johnson Assumpta described the workshop as eye-opening, citing how victims often avoid hospitals and police due to fear of blame. She stressed that incorporating women into leadership fosters safer communities, as women intimately understand the challenges facing children, neighbours, and other vulnerable groups.
CSC Onunwa of the NSCDC echoed the need for gender-responsive structures and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to fully implement the VAPP Law across all 27 LGAs. The Gender Unit will intensify community engagement and collaborate with local leaders, particularly women, to improve reporting mechanisms and survivor support.
By the workshop’s conclusion, participants drafted actionable plans to prevent conflict-related SGBV and promote inclusive leadership. CYDI Executive Director Felxfame Enisire highlighted that recognising women as active partners in decision-making strengthens grassroots peacebuilding and ensures communities are safer and more resilient.
