By Claribel Udah
The Onitsha Advancement Forum (OnAF) and the Obi-in-Council of Onitsha have moved to strengthen traditional approaches to tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) following a strategic dialogue held in Onitsha on today at Imeobi Palace Onitsha.
The meeting focused on presenting findings from OnAF’s Phase One GBV research and discussing practical, culturally aligned solutions for prevention and accountability within communities.
Presenting the report, OnAF Resource Coordinator, Enyi Chiebunigom Rita Melifonwu, said the initiative aims to translate research findings into effective community action.
During the dialogue, Chief Albert Ibekwe, Odu Osodi, stressed the importance of fair inheritance practices and proper estate planning as measures to reduce family disputes linked to GBV.
Chief Obiora Erokwu, Owelle Osowa, also noted that GBV goes beyond physical violence to include emotional and verbal abuse.
The Obi-in-Council further called for the development of a formal framework on GBV prevention and response to be incorporated into Onitsha’s customary guidelines.
Responding, Melifonwu confirmed that OnAF would develop the framework for review and adoption by the Council.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to strengthening community-based systems for preventing and addressing gender-based violence across Onitsha communities.
Claribel is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
