Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has been described as a “public sin” and a direct assault on God’s image in humanity by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ dialogue organized by the Anglican Compassion and Development Initiative (ACADI) on “Preventing Gender-Based Violence in Faith Communities,” Walson-Jack urged churches to become places of refuge rather than silence for survivors of abuse.
Represented by Dr. Deborah Odoh, the HOCSF stated that faith institutions are not immune to the scourge of GBV, pointing to global data showing that one in three women suffers physical or sexual violence — often at the hands of someone close to her.
She condemned harmful religious interpretations that pressure victims to “pray harder,” “endure for the family’s sake,” or “forgive and forget,” saying such responses trivialize human suffering and distort the message of Scripture.
> “Let’s be clear,” she said. “Gender-based violence is not a private affair or a cultural issue. It is evil, it is immoral, and it is never the will of God. It violates the divine image in every human being.”
Walson-Jack called on the Church to restore the true message of the Gospel — one rooted in love, equality, and justice — referencing Genesis 1:27, which affirms that both men and women were created in God’s likeness.
She reminded the audience that Jesus Himself upheld the dignity of women, defending the woman accused of adultery and choosing Mary Magdalene as the first witness to His resurrection.
To change the prevailing mindset, she urged faith leaders to empower women and youths, promote education on consent and respect, and teach young men that “true masculinity is defined by service, not dominance.”
The HOCSF also applauded ACADI’s collaboration with the Ford Foundation, encouraging partnerships among faith-based organisations, government agencies, and civil society groups to build effective survivor-centred support systems.
> “Preventing gender-based violence within the church isn’t optional — it’s a moral and spiritual duty,” she emphasised.
Representing the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, Bishop Blessing Enyindah echoed the Church’s commitment to confronting GBV. He explained that the Church has launched programmes to educate members on the causes and consequences of abuse, stressing that silence only perpetuates violence.
> “We can no longer remain quiet. The Church must speak, act, and lead by example,” Enyindah declared.
The Ford Foundation’s West Africa lead, Dr. Chichi Aniagolu, explained that while policies are important, mindsets must change for real progress to happen. She noted that societal attitudes often discourage victims from seeking justice, even from the very institutions meant to protect them.
ACADI’s National Coordinator, Abiodun Ipinmoye, highlighted the initiative’s goal to dismantle the culture of silence within religious spaces and ensure accountability for offenders.
> “Forgiveness should not mean escaping justice,” he said. “No one, regardless of status in the church, should be shielded from consequences. Every survivor deserves to be heard.”
He revealed plans to establish “safe spaces” within churches to offer immediate support for victims of abuse.
Chairman of ACADI’s Governing Council, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, underscored the need to educate young people early on issues of respect, consent, and empathy.
> “Violent attitudes don’t begin in adulthood — they are shaped in childhood. If we want a better future, we must start teaching the right values today,” he stated.
The dialogue concluded with faith leaders, civil society advocates, and development partners pledging to transform churches and other faith-based spaces into sanctuaries of compassion, dignity, and justice — where every human being is safe, valued, and respected.