By Claribel Udah
The Onitsha Advancement Foundation (OnAF) has intensified its campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through a strategic community dialogue with Ndi Diopka Onitsha as part of its ongoing Phase Two engagement across Onitsha communities.
The session, held on May 17 at Imeobi Palace Onitsha was built on findings and conversations from OnAF’s Phase One GBV research, creating a platform for discussions on the realities affecting families, relationships, and young people within the community.
Leading the engagement on behalf of OnAF, Enyi Azumdialo Thelma Chiwuzie presented key findings from the research and facilitated conversations on practical, community-driven approaches to reducing violence and strengthening support systems for survivors.
A major question that guided the discussion was: “How do we reduce violence and build healthier relationships and safer communities?”
During the dialogue, participants stressed the need for stronger community support systems for victims and affected families, while also calling for proper frameworks and response structures capable of handling GBV-related cases effectively and without bias.
Members further advocated continuous community awareness campaigns, healthier communication and conflict resolution within relationships, as well as the promotion of emotional intelligence among couples and young people.
The group also expressed willingness to collaborate with legal practitioners in Onitsha to improve access to justice for survivors and pledged support for broader engagement with human rights institutions.
Participants identified substance abuse, economic pressure, and irresponsible gambling habits within some homes as recurring triggers of domestic violence and family instability. They also recommended collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Police Force to address the growing challenge.
The session ended with a shared commitment by Ndi Diopka Onitsha to actively support OnAF’s GBV advocacy programme, with participants emphasizing that tackling gender-based violence requires collective responsibility rather than silence or stigma.
Claribel is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
