By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Tabitha Empowerment Centre (TEC) has called for stronger community-level action to address domestic violence, gender-based violence and other forms of abuse against women and girls across Nigeria.
The call was made on Friday, October 2, 2026, as the organisation joined communities and civil society groups around the world to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence, observed annually on October 2 in honour of Mahatma Gandhi.
The 2026 commemoration is focused on “Advancing Peace and Dialogue.”
Founder and Executive Director of TEC, Madam Christina Uzo-Okamgba (AFP, FIL), said the pursuit of peace must go beyond conflict-resolution tables and extend to homes, neighbourhoods, workplaces and online spaces where many forms of violence occur.
According to her, the organisation’s work with widows, survivors of domestic violence, vulnerable women and girls across the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, Kano and Plateau states has highlighted the need for communities to take violence against women more seriously.
“Violence does not exist solely on battlefields or in armed conflict corridors,” Uzo-Okamgba said.
She identified domestic and physical abuse, harmful traditional practices, economic deprivation, digital harassment and psychological abuse among the challenges confronting vulnerable women and girls.
TEC said some women face assault and coercion within intimate relationships, while others experience harmful widowhood practices and difficulties accessing inheritance, livelihoods and other economic resources.
The organisation also highlighted online bullying, character defamation, coercive control and emotional abuse as emerging forms of violence that can have serious consequences for survivors.
Uzo-Okamgba said addressing these challenges requires communities to promote dialogue, challenge harmful social norms and provide practical support for survivors.
She said TEC remains committed to grassroots mobilisation, community sensitisation and the provision of trauma-informed psychosocial and legal support for survivors.
The organisation also trains and deploys Anti-Gender-Based Violence Champions within communities to promote peaceful conflict resolution, encourage dialogue and challenge practices that contribute to violence.
“True strength does not harm, intimidate, or exploit others,” Uzo-Okamgba said, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to a Nigeria where women and girls can live free from fear and violence.
About Tabitha Empowerment Centre
Tabitha Empowerment Centre (TEC) is a Nigerian non-governmental organisation focused on safeguarding, empowering and rehabilitating widows, survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, and vulnerable women and children.
Its programmes include advocacy, safe-space support, skills acquisition and community-led dialogue aimed at promoting resilience, justice and self-reliance.
