The Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has expressed concern over the persistence of harmful traditional practices and rising cases of gender-based violence in parts of Rivers State, particularly in Abua/Odual Local Government Area.
MWAN National President, Prof. Roseline Ogu, speaking at an event in Port Harcourt, said such practices continue to undermine women’s health, education, and development in affected communities.
“What is happening is a gross human rights violation,” Ogu stressed. “Our research in Abua/Odual compared with Ikwerre and Obio/Akpor LGAs shows how gender-based violence and harmful practices limit victims’ potential and diminish their contributions to society.”
Prof. Omosuyi Maduka, who leads MWAN’s monitoring and evaluation team, described some practices as “disturbing and unacceptable,” citing widowhood rites that force women to refrain from bathing, changing clothes, or even drinking water used to wash corpses.
She called on government, traditional leaders, and civil society groups to unite in addressing the issue through dialogue and community engagement.
Traditional ruler of Eminikpoko community in Abua/Odual, Clinton Abala, pledged his support for collaborative efforts to eradicate such practices, assuring that local leaders would work with stakeholders to end the harmful traditions.
