Encouragers Circle Tackles Domestic Violence: Navigating Culture, Law, and Economic Survival in Edo State

By Isaac Eranga

BENIN CITY: A community outreach event organized by the Echoes of Women in Africa Initiative (ECOWA) under the theme “Access to Justice for Women and Girls” highlighted the friction between statutory rights, traditional gender roles, and law enforcement practices in Edo State. Held at the Justice and Peace Hall in Benin City to commemorate the birthday of ECOWA founder Dr. Ms. Louisa Eikhomun Agbonkhese, the gathering brought together civil society, traditional leaders, law enforcement, and former government officials.

​Core Stakeholder Positions

• ​Civil Society & Advocacy Perspective
  • ​Dr. Ms. Louisa Eikhomun Agbonkhese (Founder, ECOWA Initiative) strongly criticized systemic biases, stating that societal institutions—including churches, cultural custodians, and police—frequently place blame on victims rather than perpetrators.
  • ​She highlighted cases of economic abandonment, physical abuse, and marital exploitation, emphasizing her main concern: “culture is trying to be above the law.”
  • ​She reaffirmed ECOWA’s reliance on mediation for conflict resolution while advocating for the protection of legal rights over customary practices.
• ​Traditional Authority Perspective
  • ​Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen (Odionwere of Amagba, represented by Secretary Mr. Harrison Edo-Osagiede) addressed the “Traditional Justice System in Response to Domestic Violence.”
  • ​He asserted that 90% of domestic issues faced by women stem from their own lack of submission and respect toward their husbands.
  • ​He noted that traditional community interventions focus on identifying the root cause of domestic conflicts to resolve disputes locally.
• ​Economic & Policy Perspective
  • ​Hon. Mrs. Magdalene Ohenhen (Former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development) presented on “Economic Employment During and After Abuse.”
  • ​She argued that total financial dependence on men harms women and advised that women must earn income via trade, vocational skills, or education to support household stability.
  • ​She cautioned against impulse buying and stressed that financial agency plays a key role in determining economic well-being.
• ​Law Enforcement Perspective
  • ​SP Andrew Miriam (OC Gender, representing Edo State Commissioner of Police CP Patrick Daaor) spoke on “Accessing Policing Services for Domestic Violence Victims in Edo State.”
  • ​She affirmed the police force’s readiness to intervene in spousal gender-based violence (GBV) cases and urged victims to report abuse directly.
  • ​She additionally offered advice on home management for women.

​Analytical Summary by Sector

• ​Advocacy (ECOWA): Focuses on legal protection and institutional reform through a systemic critique of victim-blaming and the customary override of statutory law.
• ​Traditional Authority: Focuses on domestic hierarchy and community mediation, framing domestic conflict primarily around traditional expectations of female submission.
• ​Former Ministry Official: Focuses on financial independence and skill acquisition, promoting economic self-sufficiency to mitigate women’s vulnerability to abuse.
• ​Law Enforcement: Focuses on formal reporting mechanisms and police intervention, encouraging official reporting alongside domestic management advice.

​The event concluded with award presentations honoring the Odionwere of Amagba, the Edo State CP, and the former Commissioner for Women Affairs, followed by ceremonial cake cutting and dancing to celebrate Dr. Agbonkhese’s birthday.