Group Charges Isuikwuato Indigenes on Advocacy Against Harmful Social Norms, Human Rights Abuses
By Nabob Ogbonna in Isuikwuato
A Non-Governmental Organization, the Neighborhood Environmental Watch (NEW) Foundation, has called on the people of Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State to intensify advocacy against harmful social norms that perpetuate gender-based discrimination in families and the society.
The Executive Director of NEW Foundation, Dr. Kelechukwu Okezie, made the call on Thursday during a training workshop for selected stakeholders of Isuikwuato extraction, held at Umuobila Playing Ground in Isuikwuato.
Dr. Okezie explained that the programme was designed to equip men with the knowledge and skills needed to act as positive bystanders and agents of change in challenging toxic stereotypes and gender norms that have, for generations, limited the potential of both men and women in the area.
According to him, gender-based violence is “a crime against humanity,” and dismantling the patriarchal norms handed down by forefathers is essential for building safer and more progressive communities.
“Neighborhood Environmental Watch Foundation, in partnership with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, and with support from the Ford Foundation, brought you here today to train you to become partners in the Male Feminism and Gender Justice movement,” he said.
He added that the programme aims at deconstructing gender and patriarchy, rethinking masculinities, addressing power and privilege, and strengthening the understanding of gender-based violence while raising effective male allies for feminist advocacy both in families and the wider society.
Dr. Okezie noted that NEW Foundation and its international partners are committed to developing a strong network of male community feminists capable of championing social justice across Abia and other states in the South-East.
Eliminating all forms of human violence in the region, he emphasized, remains a top priority as it will enhance good governance, stimulate economic growth, and promote gender inclusiveness.
“To achieve this, your full involvement in this project is crucial. Our commitment extends beyond Isuikwuato; we intend to take this campaign to other communities across the South-East to deepen good governance and economic development,” he added.
The facilitator of the training, Dr. Chukwuemeka Okoro, in his interactive presentation, urged participants to critically examine long-standing cultural norms, stressing that many harmful practices are fundamentally at odds with social justice and equity.
“Ending all forms of gender-based violence, promoting gender rights, and building a community where no one is abused, marginalized, or discriminated against are core expectations of your role as feminist allies,” Okoro said.
Participants were guided through the nature of gender-based violence, the social structures that enable it, and its damaging consequences on family and community development—particularly those patriarchal practices deeply rooted in tradition.
Speaking to Insideoutnews, one of the participants, Chief Cyril Odomanam, expressed gratitude to the NEW Foundation and its partners for organizing what he described as a timely and impactful programme.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on NEW Foundation to return for more engagements because this programme was very impactful. I believe there are still critical areas—particularly norms, inequalities, and cultural practices—that need further attention,” he stated.
Insideoutnews gathered that the training was aimed at transforming community mindsets and strengthening a network of male allies committed to ending gender-based violence in Isuikwuato and beyond.
