On 20th July 2026, the NEW Foundation team conducted a community sensitisation programme in Etiti Ozalla, Enugu State, bringing together women, men, young people, and community leaders with one shared purpose: to say NO to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and YES to safer, more inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.
The sensitisation provided an opportunity for women, men, and young people to participate in an engaging community discussion on how violence can be prevented before it happens by promoting respect, equality, empathy, and shared responsibility.
The programme was honoured by the presence of the President General (PG), Hon. Chike Nnamani. His participation reflected the importance of community ownership and leadership in driving positive change. By lending his voice to issues affecting women and girls and encouraging the active involvement of men as partners in promoting gender equality, he demonstrated that inclusive leadership is essential for building communities where fairness, dignity, and respect are upheld for all.
During the discussion, participants explored some of the common forms of Gender-Based Violence affecting communities, including rape, physical abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), harmful parenting practices, and the negative influence of peer pressure, particularly among young people. Community members openly discussed how these issues affect individuals, families, and communities, while emphasising why violence must never be ignored, excused, or normalised.
A key issue raised during the engagement was the continued practice of denying women and girls the right to inherit family property simply because of their gender. Such discrimination violates their rights, limits their opportunities, and weakens the potential for inclusive community development. Participants were encouraged to challenge discriminatory practices and promote equal opportunities for women and girls.
The discussion also emphasised the importance of raising children with values of respect, equality, empathy, and non-violence. When children grow up in environments that promote these values, they are more likely to become adults who reject abuse and contribute positively to their communities. Educating parents, community and traditional leaders, men, women, and young people remains essential to breaking harmful cycles and creating lasting change.
Ending GBV is not the responsibility of women alone. It requires the collective commitment of community leaders, parents, teachers, faith leaders, men, women, and young people to challenge harmful norms, speak up against abuse, support survivors, and build communities where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
NEW Foundation continues to promote community driven action and collective responsibility in the fight against Gender-Based Violence. Together, we can choose respect over violence, equality over discrimination, and action over silence.
Because when communities unite, we can end Gender-Based Violence.
