- Sister Paulina Chioma Ogbonnaya emphasized the importance of safeguarding to prevent all forms of abuse, not just sexual abuse
- Sister Patricia Oguejiofor stressed overcoming fear and silence about abuse, encouraging open discussions and seeking help
The Safeguarding Commission Mission-Nigeria (SACOM-NIG), also known as the Catholic Women Religious group, has called for new strategies to address the increasing sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in Nigeria. This call was made during a three-day training session in Abuja.
Sister Paulina Chioma Ogbonnaya, the conference coordinator and a Dominican Sister of St. Catherine of Siena stressed the importance of recognizing the national impact of abuse. She stated, “Safeguarding is about caring and protecting and preventing all forms of abuse. Abuse is not only sexual; it often stems from the misuse of power over others.”
The program targeted provincial and area presidents of various women’s religious groups in Nigeria to have these leaders return to their dioceses to teach what they learned. Sister Ogbonnaya noted, “This will enable them to reach more sisters. For example, the Abuja provincial area alone has over 100 sisters, and they can plan similar programs for the Abuja Ecclesiastical Province.”
She also highlighted that human fear, ignorance, and cultural factors contribute to the high rate of abuse, particularly in Africa.
Sister Patricia Oguejiofor of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, Lagos Province, Abeokuta Diocese, emphasized the need to overcome fear and speak out about abuse. She remarked, “Fear and silence perpetuate abuse. Money and fear of losing financial support often prevent people from speaking up. We must encourage open discussions and seek help.”
These Catholic women leaders are advocating for more proactive and widespread educational efforts to combat abuse and empower women and girls across Nigeria.
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