A public affairs analyst and advocate against gender-based violence, Dr Otive Igbuzor, said an old harmful culture in Becheve communities of Obanluku Local Government Area of Cross River State tagged “Money Woman” has been abolished totally.
He disclosed this while speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
He 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.
According to him, while the culture persisted, girls were 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 practice involved the use of young girls often at extremely vulnerable ages as a means of settling debts owed by their families.
“This was a bold and commendable step. It demonstrated that culture is not static and that harmful practices can be challenged and redefined from within.
“We initiated a renewed process of engagement with traditional rulers, clan heads, and community stakeholders.
“This process was deliberate, inclusive, and rooted in dialogue. It brought together traditional authorities, affected families, community members, and even men within these unions to openly examine the situation and agree on a way forward.
“The goal was not to impose a solution but to facilitate a community-owned resolution that would be fair, practical, and sustainable”, he said.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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