Benin JDPC Calls For Collaboration To End Gender Based Violence












Benin JDPC Calls For Collaboration To End Gender Based Violence

...As Rev. Fr. Onwugbenu Urges Partakers To Speak Out 

Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin 


The Justice Development and Peace Centre of the Benin Catholic Archdiocese (Benin JDPC) has called for collaborative efforts to build a society where women and girls can live in a violence free environment with dignity, safety, and equal opportunity.

Executive Director of Benin JDPC, Rev. Fr. Benedict Onwugbenu stated this in his opening remarks at a Capacity Strengthening Workshop it organised in collaboration with one of its partners, Women Aid Collective (WACOL); with the theme, “Multi Level Dialogue for Men, Women, Youths and Critical Stakeholders on The Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV)” held on Friday, 30 January in Benin City.
Fr. Onwugbenu also stressed the need to build a society rooted in respect, compassion and human dignity.



Rev. Fr. Benedict Onwugbenu, urged every community to become a voice against gender based violence.

He said if they refuse to speak out that one day the evil act will return to them. He stated that the inability for them to keep quiet shows that  they are in support of the evil act



“Today’s program, themed “Multi Level Dialogue for Men, Women, Youths and Critical Stakeholders on The Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV),” reflects our shared commitment to building a society where women and girls can live with dignity, safety, and equal opportunity. Your presence here shows that you are not just leaders in your communities, but also champions of justice, peace, and social transformation.

While appreciating WACOL for its collaborating with JDPC in the implementation of “Empowering Christian Women and Leaders of Culture for Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria project, Rev. Fr. Onwugbenu pointed out that they involving women and community groups in the implementation of the project to act as watchdogs, safeguard communities and report GBV cases to relevant agencies.

“We deeply appreciate the Women Aid Collective (WACOL) for their collaboration and continuous support under the project “Empowering Christian Women and Leaders of Culture for Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.


However, this partnership strengthens our collective voice and deepens our impact at the grassroots levels in our society. Your engagement today is a powerful step toward ending the harmful practises, inequalities, and silent sufferings that many women and girls face.

“By involving women and community groups, we aim to create proactive voices and watchdogs safeguarding the community and reporting GBV(gender – based violence) cases. Together, let’s build a society rooted in respect, compassion, and human dignity. The knowledge and tools you gain here will empower you to influence your congregations, communities, and institutions toward gender justice and the prevention of GBV. Together, we can build a society rooted in respect, compassion, and human dignity.”

Also speaking at the well attended Workshop, the Programme Manager of Benin JDPC, Anna Nweke Francisca, stated that through collaboration with relevant agencies, gender based violence can be checked and prevented.
According to her, “Justice Development and Peace Centre (JDPC), Benin, in partnership with Women Aid Collective (WACOL), is implementing a community-based project aimed at strengthening the prevention of and response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in selected communities in Edo State.

 The project seeks to address the root causes of GBV by challenging harmful social and cultural norms, empowering women and community leaders, and strengthening community and institutional response mechanisms.

“The WACOL–JDPC Benin project adopts a rights-based and survivor-centered approach that combines community sensitization, capacity building, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.

 The project targets women, girls, men and boys, traditional and religious leaders, community gatekeepers, and government institutions, recognizing that sustainable GBV prevention requires collective action at multiple levels.

“Through this partnership, JDPC Benin leverages its strong grassroots presence and community trust and also provides technical expertise in women’s rights, GBV prevention, and advocacy. Together, the partners work to promote safer communities where women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.

“Our objective is to reduce the incidence of gender-based violence in target communities by strengthening prevention strategies, improving response systems, and promoting accountability and access to justice for survivors.We Increase community awareness and understanding of GBV, women’s rights, and existing legal and policy frameworks,” Nweke posited.

Given her good will message, Inspector Justina Idenudu of the Gender Family Support Unit, Edo State Police Command assured that security agents are ready to ensure justice in the cases of gender- based violence (GBV).


Also represented at the well attended workshop are Local Government Councils, Directorate of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ministry Of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Gender issues, Commissioner of Police, Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

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