23 August 2026 | St. Mark Catholic Church, Omege Okpuitumo
On 23 August 2026, St. Mark Catholic Church, Omege Okpuitumo, became a space for honest conversations, reflection and commitment as 50 men participated in a training aimed at strengthening their role as allies in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The training, facilitated by Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation (NEW Foundation), focused on promoting gender equality and challenging harmful traditional practices that negatively affect women and girls.
Participants openly reflected on forms of GBV within their community, including wife battery, forced and early marriage, exclusion of women from leadership, female genital mutilation, male-child preference, and unequal access to education and other opportunities.
Importantly, the conversation went beyond identifying the problem. Participants explored practical ways to contribute to change, including community sensitisation, strengthening community by-laws, promoting accountability for offenders, and encouraging people to report cases of Gender-Based Violence.
The discussions were not without difficult questions and differing perspectives. This made the session even more valuable, reinforcing the reality that meaningful change requires listening, dialogue and the active involvement of men, women and children in the process.
At the end of the training, all participants committed to ending GBV and promoting equal rights, starting from their own families. They also pledged to share the message with others and contribute to raising awareness within their community.
Change may take time, particularly when harmful practices are deeply rooted in culture and tradition. But every meaningful change begins with a conversation, a commitment and people willing to take action.
50 men. One shared commitment. One community working toward a safer, more equal future.
