By Regina Igwebuike
The Anambra State 50/50 Action Women Group has launched a grassroots movement to combat the abuse of domestic workers and gender-based violence (GBV), with a campaign kickoff held during the Ikem Ifite, Nando Town Union Women Wing August Meeting 2026.
The initiative, proudly formed and supported by the Women Aid Collective (WACOL), with funding from the Ford Foundation, is designed to take decisive action against maltreatment and violence directly to communities across the state.
Addressing participants at the gathering, leaders of the group said the fight against abuse and GBV requires sustained, community-driven responses rather than silence. They emphasized that protecting women, children, and domestic workers must begin at the grassroots where most cases occur.
The first major outcome of the meeting was the official rollout of the 50/50 Action Women Campaign in Ikem Ifite, Nando. The campaign seeks to eradicate the culture of silence and to hold perpetrators accountable for all forms of abuse against vulnerable persons in homes and communities.
As part of the launch, the Executive Director, Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) and Coordinator, 50/50 Action Women Group in Anambra, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, inaugrated a 14-member 50/50 Action Women Safe Space Committee,for Ikem Ifite, Nando Community in Anambra East Local Government Area. The committee will serve as the first point of response for GBV cases within the community.
According to the Executive Director, the Safe Space Committee is mandated to provide immediate support to victims, make appropriate referrals to relevant agencies, and lead continuous sensitization to prevent future incidents of abuse and violence.
Speaking at the event, members of the group stressed that the maltreatment of domestic workers and all forms of gender-based violence are crimes. They declared that communities will no longer serve as safe havens for abusers.
“This momentous event in Ikem Ifite, Nando is part of a massive, ongoing series of activities. Across multiple locations and with various dedicated teams, we are replicating this model to ensure that no community is left behind in the fight for human rights and dignity,” the coordinator said.
The 50/50 Action Women Group called on residents to take active roles by speaking up when they witness abuse, supporting the newly inaugurated safe spaces, and working together to protect the vulnerable.
The campaign launch ended with a renewed commitment from community women to monitor, report, and respond to cases of abuse. Organizers said similar meetings and committee inaugurations will continue in other towns across Anambra State in the coming months.
Regina Igwebuike is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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