The National President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs. Amina Agbaje, has called on religious leaders to join the fight against the rising tide of violence against women and girls in Nigeria. Speaking during a two-day annual dialogue on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) held in Ado Ekiti, Agbaje emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in curbing the growing issue. The event, themed “Engagement, Coordination, and Sharing of Lessons on GBV Prevention between Religious, Traditional, and Government Leaders in Nigeria,” was organized by FIDA Ekiti State Chapter, in partnership with the Ford Foundation.
Addressing the forum, Mrs. Agbaje highlighted the complex factors driving violence against women and girls, including faith, cultural traditions, economic challenges, political conditions, and deeply ingrained societal norms. She urged religious leaders to take up the mantle of advocacy, using their platforms to reshape societal beliefs and attitudes. She stressed the importance of a collective action plan, particularly within places of worship, to prevent occurrences of GBV.
Agbaje stated, “Religious leaders must act as change agents and champions of the rights of women and girls, challenging harmful social norms and beliefs. Through effective messaging and campaigns, they can significantly contribute to reducing violence in their communities.”
The FIDA Chairperson in Ekiti State, Oyinade Olatunbosun, echoed this call, emphasizing the critical role religious leaders play in preventing domestic violence and other forms of GBV. Olatunbosun noted that churches and mosques hold great influence in shaping societal views and can be instrumental in raising awareness about GBV. She added, “Many cases of GBV are hidden under the guise of cultural and religious practices. It’s time for religious leaders to take an active stand.”
The yearly dialogue, supported by the Ford Foundation, aims to foster partnerships with religious leaders to address the root causes of GBV in Ekiti State. The dialogue seeks to equip religious leaders with the necessary skills to advocate for the prevention of violence and create safe spaces within religious institutions.
Rita Abba, the Coordinator of the Ford Foundation Project at FIDA Nigeria, reiterated the need for a proactive approach, stating that the dialogue focuses on prevention. “We are shifting our strategy toward prevention. We believe that if mindsets change, and people are enlightened, we can achieve lasting results in the fight against GBV,” she said.
In their goodwill messages, representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye and Alhaji Ahmed Bakare, respectively, commended the dialogue as a platform for deepening understanding and coordination in preventing GBV within religious spaces.
The event underscored the importance of collective action from all stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society, and the general public, in eradicating violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
