The Catholic Action for Respect and Equality (CARE) Project has commenced a three-day Training of Trainers on gender-based violence (GBV) research at the Pope Francis Hall Resource Centre in Abuja. The initiative, supported by the Ford Foundation and led by Charles Aneni, Senior Programme Manager for Protection and Inclusion, is designed to strengthen evidence-based GBV interventions within the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
The training brings together Caritas Nigeria staff from various departments to build their capacity in ethical and effective field research. The programme aims to assess the prevalence of GBV across 18 dioceses, evaluate existing reporting systems, and identify the root causes of violence to promote safer and more inclusive Church communities.
Participants are being equipped with practical and technical skills in research methodology, data collection, and the use of Kobo Collect tools, while emphasizing ethical standards, human dignity, and sensitivity in handling GBV-related information. The initiative also seeks to measure awareness levels across Catholic provinces and reinforce the Church’s commitment to helping individuals achieve their full potential in a secure environment.
Speaking during the opening session, Fr. Peter Audu, Executive Secretary/CEO of Caritas Nigeria, reaffirmed the institution’s zero-tolerance stance on abuse. He commended participants for their commitment and stressed that while the complete eradication of GBV remains the long-term goal, consistent and deliberate actions toward reducing its prevalence must continue.
He further emphasized that through research-driven strategies and localized interventions, the Church can play a leading role in significantly reducing and ultimately ending gender-based violence in Nigeria.
