Caritas Nigeria, a faith-based organisation, has restated its commitment to gender justice and child protection.

Chukwuemeka Amuta, Caritas Nigeria team leader in Abia, said in a statement in Abuja on Monday that the affirmation was part of the resolutions at a dialogue.

Caritas Nigeria is an organisation committed to public health and social justice.

The Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue on Gender and Child Protection took place on Monday at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia.

The event, held as part of the 2024 global campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, embraced the theme ‘UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls’.

Mr Amuta said Caritas Nigeria, as the lead implementing partner, had been providing comprehensive HIV treatment and care services in Abia State under the CDC/PEPFAR programme.

“Caritas Nigeria has made remarkable strides in addressing gender-based violence. Its gender program has provided post-GBV care to over 2,500 survivors, addressing their critical needs for safety and recovery,” he said.

Mr Amuta highlighted the importance of translating policies into actionable plans.

Mr Amuta called on stakeholders to use the dialogue to build consensus.

Charles Ukauwa, in his keynote, explored the critical challenges of gender-based violence and child abuse in Abia.

He said significant gaps existed in enforcement and coordination, calling for reforms to improve legal and institutional responses. He highlighted areas requiring attention, including forensic centres to manage evidence, specialised courts for GBV cases, and effective referral centres for immediate response to violence.

He stressed the importance of addressing cultural norms through legal, policy, and behavioural change interventions and redefining the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to enhance its impact.

Mr Ukauwa also pointed out the critical role of families, religious and traditional institutions and the hospitality industry in supporting gender justice and child protection initiatives.

(NAN)