An old-age harmful culture in Becheve communities of Obanluku Local Government Area of Cross River State tagged “Money Woman” has been abolished totally.

The said practice involves the use of young girls often at extremely vulnerable ages as a means of settling debts owed by their families.

The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), who championed the move, has also raised six millions and two hundred thousand Naira to set free the first set of 57 women under the oppression.

The founding Executive Director of Centre LSD, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, described the development as a major breakthrough in ending the long-standing oppression of survivors of the “Money Woman” tradition in Becheve communities of Obanliku Local Government Area, Cross River State.

The conference had in attendance: Survivors of “Money Woman” practice, traditional rulers of the communities, development partners, Gender-Based activists, and more.

According to Dr Igbuzor, the girls are given out in marriage not by choice, but as instruments of financial obligation, denying them their rights to education, personal development, and autonomy.

He said the ‘Money Woman’ practice reinforces cycles of poverty, inequality, and gender-based violence. While often defended under the guise of tradition, it is a clear violation of fundamental human rights and dignity.

He recalled that in 2020, through the UN Women-funded Spotlight Initiative, the organisation worked with traditional rulers and local authorities to secure agreement for the abolition of the practice, which has now been reinforced by a community by-law banning it completely.

He commended traditional rulers and community leaders for supporting the decision, stressing that harmful traditions must give way to human rights and dignity.

Earlier, the Paramount Ruler of the area, HRH Amos Uyumulam, who read the communique of the meeting, confirmed that the “Money Woman” practice has been totally abolished in Becheve Ward.

He added that it was also agreed that bride price in affected cases would be refunded at a fixed sum of ₦100,000 to free women from such marriage arrangements, while also serving as empowerment support for those unable to exit the union due to age or circumstances. (Radio Nigeria)