By Claribel Udah
The Gender Based Violence (GBV) Team of the Onitsha Advancement Foundation (OnAF) has intensified efforts to tackle gender based violence through strategic engagement with Roman Catholic priests of the Onitsha Archdiocese, aimed at fostering stronger collaboration in addressing family related challenges and promoting community wellbeing.
The meeting, held on June 1, at SS Peter and Paul Parish, Ugwuagba, Obosi, provided a platform for discussions on findings from Phase One of the OnAF GBV research and the critical role of religious institutions in preventing and responding to cases of gender based violence.
Presenting the research findings, Enyi Chiebunigom Rita Melifonwu revealed that undisclosed infertility and chronic health conditions often contribute to marital conflicts, emotional trauma, relationship breakdowns, and other circumstances that may escalate into gender based violence.
She urged the priests to refer victims of GBV and related cases involving Onitsha indigenes to the OnAF Rapid Response Team for prompt intervention and support. Melifonwu also emphasized the need for increased awareness, counselling, and proper health disclosures before marriage to help prevent family crises.
Responding on behalf of the clergy, Fr. Collins Okoye commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that aligns with the Church’s mission of strengthening families and promoting peaceful communities.
Also speaking, Fr. Patrick Okigbo, who represented the Archdiocesan GBV Working Group, welcomed the engagement and expressed the group’s readiness to build a stronger partnership with the OnAF GBV Team in advancing violence prevention and family support programmes.
Fr. Emmanuel Anazonwu equally lauded the initiative and pledged the Church’s support in creating awareness and encouraging community participation in efforts to end gender based violence across Onitsha communities.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment by both the Church and the OnAF GBV Team to sustain collaboration through awareness campaigns, counselling services, referrals, and community based interventions aimed at preventing gender based violence and strengthening family support systems.
Claribel is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
