Nigerian traditional, religious, and community leaders are partnering with the Ford Foundation to address gender-based violence (GBV) in West Africa by transforming harmful cultural and religious practices that reinforce inequality.
At a hybrid forum titled “Traditional, Religious, and Community Leaders Driving Meaningful Change”, held at the Ford Foundation Centre for Social Justice in New York, leaders from Nigeria called for urgent grassroots interventions and cultural shifts. The event, which took place during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, also marked 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
The Ford Foundation described the session as pivotal in confronting the “culture of silence” that allows GBV to thrive in many African communities. “We recognise the influence that traditional, religious, and community leaders have in shaping societal norms,” said Sarita Gupta, Vice President of US Programs at the foundation.
Obi Achebe highlighted the need to address the socio-economic drivers of violence such as poverty and unemployment, calling for economic empowerment, promotion of female leadership, and community-based conflict mediation as tools to combat GBV.
Father Ehusani urged religious leaders to challenge harmful scriptural interpretations. “Religious leaders must lead the way in promoting gender justice,” he said, noting that his foundation had trained over 500 Christian leaders and established “Centres of Excellence” within churches to advocate for women’s rights and offer GBV support.
Dr. Nasir echoed the call for faith-based engagement, particularly in Northern Nigeria. He said initiatives like the Muslim Opinion Leaders project are already using sermons and community dialogues to reshape public attitudes on GBV without compromising Islamic values.
Priscilla Usiobaifo, founder of the BraveHeart Initiative, stressed the need for persistent grassroots advocacy to challenge deeply rooted cultural practices such as female genital mutilation and widowhood rites.
Participants at the event called for:
- Stronger cultural and political institutions to protect women
- Reinterpretation of religious teachings in favour of gender justice
- Inclusive legal and policy frameworks
- Promotion of positive cultural practices while transforming harmful ones
The Ford Foundation’s West Africa office reiterated its commitment to its Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Justice Strategy, saying traditional and religious leaders remain essential to ending GBV and fostering an equitable society for women and girls.
