PIND in partnership with Green Concern for Development (GREENCODE) steered a 2-day community dialogue and training on the 10th and 11th of December, 2018 at Ranch, Becheve, Obanliku LGA of Cross River State. The objective was to dialogue with the community toward increasing advocacy to policy makers and community leaders to end the inhumane cultural practice of money-woman marriage which is a form of Gender-based Violence.
The project titled ‘Speak Against Money-woman Marriage (SPAMM)’ was expounded to educate and sensitize and provide a platform for the people of Becheve and Utanga ward to discuss issues related to gender-based violence; allowing participants to identify the root causes of gender-based violence, money-woman marriage, the consequences of culture, and ways to address them to promote gender equality.
At the end of the dialogue on day one, a resolution was reached to drive the desired change in the area of Gender-Based Violence. This was followed by an advocacy visit to the Cross River State House of Assembly complex.
At the complex, the Convener, Mr. Efiom Duke drew the attention of the lawmakers to the non-implementation of the laws against child marriage and called on the lawmakers to work with the law enforcement agencies to enforce the relevant laws.
The second day of the meeting was dedicated to Gender-Based Violence, Monitoring and Reporting training at Ranch, Becheve – Obanliku, where people from Becheve and Utanga were trained.
There was an overview of the common type of gender-based violence evident in Becheve as enumerated by community people and a presentation on girls/women right laws, child rights law in Cross River State in addition to what the laws say about widowhood rite, inheritance etc. Punishments for various violations of these laws were also made very clear to the community people regardless of their culture.
The training also focused on monitoring of gender-based violence and reporting as a tool for advocacy to end gender-based violence. Questions and answers session followed each presentation.
Two presentations were delivered by Barr. James Ibor of Basic Right Counsel Initiative (BRCI) and Bassey Edem of GREENCODE. At the end of the training, women/girls monitoring and reporting group on gender-based violence was formed. The training session was facilitated by Ms. Brenda Effiom and was followed by a rally.
Participants hit the streets of Becheve with so much energy, boldness, and enthusiasm against money-woman marriage, as the rally took a long-walk of about 8km of solidarity songs in local language and English from the venue of the training to New market, Becheve, where there was a large population of people. Over 100 IEC materials were distributed to the people of the community.
At Becheve ward, GREENCODE team also took an advocacy visit to the Chiefs of Becheve, to present the Action Plan developed at the Community Dialogue and outline the benefits of gender equality and the relevant laws that are against money-woman marriage.
Responding on behalf of other Chiefs, Chief Abah promised to ensure that the action plan is implemented.
