It’s Friday, July 11, 2025, and in the vibrant city of Ibadan, a powerful alliance is taking a stand against a pervasive problem. The United Nations Women, teaming up with the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), is hitting the streets, literally, to combat gender-based violence (GBV).
In a bold move, they’ve kicked off a house-to-house sensitization walk, focusing on the Elenusonso community within the Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State. The initiative, a cornerstone of the UN LEAP Project, brings together community members, local leaders, and the project’s core aims: building a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.
This project couldn’t be more timely, as WARIF’s Programme Officer, Mr. Adeniyi Adetola, points out. Statistics paint a grim picture, highlighting that a staggering one in three women experience abuse. This stark reality fuels the program’s unwavering commitment to keeping GBV at bay.
“Our goal is to sustain the conversations and education needed to tackle the issue of Gender-Based Violence,” Adetola explains. “We want to make sure that everyone, from local community members to government stakeholders, knows the role they can play in saying ‘No to GBV’.”
This initiative builds on the commitments made in the Public Declaration of June 14, ensuring that everyone in Elenusonso understands what is required to promote mutual respect and safety.
“We want to carry everybody along to end GBV in this community,” Adetola said. “That is why we need to find a sustainability plan for this project.”
Mr. Ogunjimi Diya, the Director of Women’s Programme at the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs, lauded the partners’ efforts. He emphasized the critical need for continuous education to counter GBV, including issues like rape, female genital mutilation, and intimate partner violence.
Diya also noted the prevalence of GBV within Oyo State’s communities and how sensitization is the key to an awakening for the community.
“We believe GBV is a developmental issue, and when people are enlightened, they will be able to synergise and dedicate their energies towards the development of their homes and the community at large,” Diya explained.
Lack of proper education, he stresses, fuels ego and hinders mutual respect – key ingredients in the cycle of violence.
Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Aderemi Adeojo, Chairman of the Ido Local Government Area, represented by Community Development Officer Mrs. Oluwadunni Hassan, voiced strong support for the initiative. “We want the issue of GBV to stop; we don’t want it in our community again. Men should stop beatin…” This declaration of intent speaks volumes.
This initiative offers a glimmer of hope, showing a concerted effort to protect everyone within this community.
