Chioma Uzodimma's Call to Combat Gender-Based Violence: A Duty for Traditional and Religious Leaders

Imo State Governor's wife, Chioma Uzodimma, has called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to play a leading role in combating gender-based violence. Speaking at a two-day advocacy program in Owerri, Uzodimma emphasized that harmful cultural practices can only be dismantled through sustainable grassroots mobilization and collective action. Chioma Uzodimma, who holds the title of "First Lady" due to her husband's position as Governor, stated that this meeting is not merely an advocacy activity but also a call for leadership and collective responsibility. Organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors' Wives Forum and the Ford Foundation, the program brought participants together to strengthen community-based efforts in preventing violence. Uzodimma noted that harmful practices persist because they have been accepted and normalized across generations, making credible community leaders critical in changing these narratives.

The event was held under the theme "Empowering Grassroots Champions for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence" and brought together wives of local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women leaders, and community advocates. In her address to the participants, Uzodimma remarked that the wives of local government chairmen stand at the intersection of governance and community life. She stated that this position gives them the unique opportunity to hear the whispers before crises erupt and recognize warning signs before they turn into painful statistics. Uzodimma expressed her belief that social norms can change when credible voices speak out differently, consistently, and courageously, affirming that everyone present represents such a voice. She emphasized that this advocacy initiative is designed to equip participants as gender champions who encourage justice, healing, and legal intervention while avoiding conflict.

In her speech, Uzodimma took a firm stance, stating that traditional rulers and religious leaders must utilize their influence to deter harmful practices and protect vulnerable members of society. She sought to shift societal perceptions with the words, "Violence is not culture. Abuse is not discipline. Protecting women and girls does not weaken society; it strengthens it." Furthermore, she highlighted that faith and traditional institutions remain powerful platforms to promote justice, compassion, and peace, urging community leaders to speak out against violence and support victims. Drawing attention to the importance of collective action, she said, "When leaders come together, silence is broken. When silence is broken, change begins." These statements reinforced a determined stance that violence must not be legitimized.

Earlier speaking at the program, Blessing Azubuike, the program facilitator and Director from the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs, stated that this engagement aims to take the campaign against gender-based violence beyond government institutions. Azubuike noted that the active participation of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers would help challenge harmful social norms, improve abuse reporting, and strengthen community response mechanisms. She emphasized that participants need to be advocates in their own communities, as prevention is the most effective strategy for reducing violence cases. This approach pointed to the importance of local measures over centralization in solving the problem.

Also speaking, Chinenyenwa Owuamalam, the Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, described the initiative as a critical step towards achieving inclusive and sustainable development. Owuamalam stated that gender-based violence undermines the health, education, and economic well-being of women and girls, making its elimination essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Commending the First Lady for championing community-focused interventions, Owuamalam expressed confidence that this advocacy would inspire lasting behavioral change in the state. The meeting participants pledged to intensify awareness campaigns in their communities and collaborate with relevant authorities to protect victims, prevent abuse, and create safer homes and communities.