This public release highlights Centre LSD’s engagement with traditional and religious leaders in Obanliku and Odukpani LGAs of Cross River State as part of the Spotlight Initiative, a global programme by the UN and EU to eliminate violence against women and girls.
The townhall meetings brought together paramount rulers, village heads, and religious figures to confront harmful social norms and gender stereotypes that perpetuate sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and harmful practices (HPs). A key feature of the engagement was the distribution and sensitization of participants on the newly passed Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law in Cross River State.
Led by Programme Coordinator Vincent Dania, the initiative aimed to embed gender-equitable attitudes at both community and individual levels through dialogue and legal awareness. This approach reinforces the importance of traditional institutions in shaping social norms and driving community-led change.
The meetings serve as part of Centre LSD’s broader strategy to empower community influencers as champions of gender justice and to advance long-term behavioural shifts needed to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
Members of the public were encouraged to follow and amplify the campaign using the hashtags #SpotlightEndViolence and #MenAgainstSGBV.
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