Methodist Women Fellowship (MWF) in Enugu have expressed worry over the recurring cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the South East Zone.

The women from the Central Methodist Church (CMC), Uwani, Enugu, made their feelings known during a peaceful protest against GBV on Saturday to mark the 2026 Mother’s Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the women marched through some major streets, including Zik Avenue, Edinburgh and Obiagu streets.

The leader of the group, Mrs Esther Aniagu, said that women and girls in the state faced numerous violence across the country.

“Cases abound of various sexual and physical assaults women and girls face on a daily basis.

“Imagine, a man in his 70s defiling an eight-year-old, his granddaughter in Enugu State.

“Another case of a husband who machete his wife’s face for not cooking the soup he wanted.

“We have numerous cases of men sexually abusing their daughters, female relatives and maids kept under their care. Drivers and neighbour’s molesting girls in their neighborhood.

“As we are marking this year’s Mother’s Day, we appeal to our men to have a rethink over these immoral actions and take care of our women”.

Aniagu, who is CMC Presbyter’s wife, urged the women to focus more attention on their young children even as they pursue their economic well-being.

She encouraged them to report cases of GBV to the police, Women Affairs Ministry, Women Aid Collective (WACOL) and human rights groups.

In her remarks, the Methodist Diocese Secretary of the Women Fellowship, Mrs Chinwe Edeh, decried the oppression of widows by in-laws as well as intimidation of childless women.

Edeh called on women to empower themselves economically by engaging in trade and becoming resourceful.

She also urged them to build their faith in God amidst the challenges saying that God will always fight for them.

NAN reports that the Methodist and Anglican Churches will celebrate the Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 15. (NAN)

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