The National President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers has called on religious leaders to join the fight against the rising violence against women and girls in Nigeria by implementing effective strategies.
During a two-day annual dialogue on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Ado Ekiti, themed “Engagement, coordination and sharing of lessons on GBV prevention between religious, traditional, and government leaders in Nigeria,” the president emphasized the need for collective action.
She highlighted that the surge in violence against women and girls is driven by a complex mix of cultural, economic, political, and social factors, including discriminatory traditions and societal norms.
As a result of the dialogue, a plan of action aimed at preventing GBV in places of worship is anticipated. She urged religious leaders to become change agents and advocates for women and girls’ rights by challenging harmful social norms through impactful messaging and campaigns.
The FIDA Chairperson in Ekiti State stressed the importance of religious leaders in preventing GBV occurrences within churches and mosques. She called for a united effort to raise awareness about domestic violence against women and girls.
Funded by a foundational partner, the dialogue serves as a strategic platform to address the cultural and religious factors that often shield GBV cases.
The project coordinator at FIDA expressed concerns about the increasing instances of GBV, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive approach that includes input from religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil societies, and the public.
She stated that by shifting focus to prevention, fostering education and awareness, and encouraging community involvement, long-term behavior changes could significantly contribute to reducing and ultimately ending GBV.
Representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs echoed the importance of the dialogue as a crucial avenue for promoting better understanding and preventing GBV in places of worship.
