The Gender Advocacy & Woman Resource Centre (GAWRC) convened a two -day stakeholders meeting to validate a comprehensive study on statutory and customary laws and practices in Delta and Bayelsa states.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, legal experts, and community leaders to critically review and provide input on the findings of the study. The research focuses on identifying how existing laws and cultural practices impact gender equality, women’s rights, and access to justice across communities in the states.

Key highlights of the workshop included:

1. Opening speech by the Executive Director, Mrs. Oti Ovrawah, who emphasized the urgent need for all stakeholders to work collaboratively in ensuring zero tolerance for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Delta State and Bayelsa State.

2. Presentation of the study findings by GAWRC Programs Director, Mr. Anthony Iyortyer, detailing key insights into how statutory and customary laws affect the lived realities of women and girls.

3. Group work sessions involving community leaders and various stakeholders who engaged directly with the study findings, offering feedback, sharing experiences, and proposing community-driven strategies for law reform and social change.

This validation meetings form part of GAWRC’s broader advocacy agenda to promote gender justice, eliminate discriminatory practices, and support inclusive governance through research-based interventions and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Participants at the event commended the initiative and stressed the importance of harmonizing statutory and customary laws with Nigeria’s constitutional and international commitments to human rights and gender equality.

The validated report is expected to serve as a critical tool for legislators, policymakers, and advocacy organizations pushing for sustainable, gender-sensitive legal and cultural reforms in Delta and Bayelsa states respectively.