For many people, places of worship are seen as spaces of trust, guidance, and protection. However, conversations around Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continue to show that no space is completely exempt. This is why intentional action, awareness, and leadership within faith communities are essential.

We recently concluded the Gender-Based Violence Capacity Building Training Workshop for Female Religious Leaders in Ibadan for the Second Cohort of our project, supported by the Ford Foundation.
Over the course of four days, the training brought together female religious leaders from different Local Government Areas across Oyo State to strengthen their capacity to respond to and prevent GBV within their communities.

At the training, we were privileged to have the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Oyo State, Rev E.O Ogundiya, The Vice Chairman of The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) Oyo State, Ven. Dr. S.A Aiyegbusi, and Rev. Elekima Ekine representing the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). We also welcomed representatives from the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs, alongside experienced facilitators who guided critical discussions, learning sessions, and practical reflections on addressing GBV within religious settings.

The training created a space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. It reinforced the role of religious leaders not only as spiritual guides but also as advocates for safety, dignity, and justice within their communities.
The participants were equipped with knowledge and they are ready to address the issue in GBV in their churches and put an end to it.

As the second cohort begins, the responsibility continues. Building safer religious spaces requires continuous engagement, courage to speak up, and commitment to supporting survivors while preventing abuse before it happens.

The movement continues, one community at a time.