The West Africa Broadcast Media Academy (WABMA) Foundation recently organised a campaign in Southeast Nigeria that combined cultural diversity celebration with grassroots advocacy against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

   The initiative involved Leaders of Faith and Culture (LFCs) engaging communities directly in bustling markets to raise awareness and promote unity through local leadership.

   At the event, Pastor Christian Eze in Enugu highlighted harmful cultural practices like early child marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), unbalanced gender expectations, and harmful widowhood customs. Using scriptures, he advocated for gender justice and equality, prompting active audience participation and discussions on related issues.

   Evangelist Priscillia Ogbonna in Abia led a sensitisation campaign to address harmful norms and promote cultural pride. The campaign aimed to eradicate SGBV, reclaim traditions fostering unity and respect through town hall dialogues, market engagements, and workshops, empowering locals to redefine cultural values.

   A survivor in Anambra State shared her story of disempowerment following her husband’s death, exposing how abuse can be disguised as tradition. The community responded with solidarity, pledging to report SGBV cases and shift towards active intervention and protection.