The Side-by-Side Movement, Cross River State, in partnership with the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) with support from Christian Aid, will hold a one-day training for Faith and Traditional Leaders (FTLs), Women Rights Organizations (WROs), and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) on October 7th, 2025, in Obanliku, Cross River State.
In a statement released by the Women Right Coordinator at Centre LSD, Ms. Offiong Enang, she explained that “the training seeks to strengthen leadership and advocacy on gender justice, social inclusion, and human rights at the grassroots level.” She added that the core sessions will focus on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), the prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and efforts to address the “Money Woman Custom” – a cultural practice involving the betrothal or marriage of young girls to settle family debts.
According to Ms. Enang, the training will bring together community leaders, faith representatives, women’s rights advocates, and government officials to enhance peer learning and build a strong, united approach to promoting gender justice and protecting human rights in local communities.
The event will include a peer learning and experience-sharing session where leaders from diverse communities will discuss the roadmap and implementation of the bylaw created to abolish the “Money Woman Custom” in Cross River State.
She noted that the initiative aims to empower participants with the knowledge and strategies needed to eliminate harmful cultural practices while promoting gender equality and social inclusion. Members of the public who may not be able to attend in person are encouraged to follow updates and insights from the training through Centre LSD’s official social media platforms.