The Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) highlights the alarming rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Anambra, blaming insufficient data and inadequate shelters for survivors as major factors driving the crisis. Executive Director Mrs. Eucharia Anekwe emphasized this during a training launch in Awka focused on empowering Christian women and cultural leaders against GBV.
Without reliable data, policymakers struggle to understand the scope of abuse or allocate resources effectively, leaving many cases unreported and perpetrators unpunished. The state currently has one sexual assault referral centre, which is insufficient and difficult to access, often causing loss of evidence.
Mrs. Chioma Okeke of the Women Aid Collective (WACOL) linked high rates of sexual assault to poor parenting, especially failures to instill discipline in boys. GPSDC’s Programme Manager, Ms. Oge Ozoemena, added that certain cultural and religious practices worsen gender inequality. Their initiatives engage community leaders to challenge harmful norms and promote gender equality.
The GPSDC also champions the digital empowerment of women, bridging the gender gap in technology to reduce socio-economic disparities and foster social change.
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