Faith and Culture Unite
As the global campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence kicks off, prominent organisations and leaders in Nigeria are rallying to amplify awareness and drive action against violence targeting women and girls. From symbolic walks to high-level advocacy and community outreach, initiatives across the country aim to confront this pervasive human rights issue.
The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development (Centre LSD) leads efforts with a comprehensive programme that includes a Gender Justice Walk, advocacy campaigns, and outreach activities in 11 states. Meanwhile, cultural and religious leaders, are joining forces to challenge harmful norms perpetuating violence, backed by organisations like UN Women, WABMA Media Development Foundation, and ActionAid Nigeria.
A Unified Call to End Violence
Centre LSD highlights alarming statistics, with nearly one in three women in Nigeria experiencing violence. The organisation, serving as the national secretariat for the Side-by-Side Movement for Gender Justice, is orchestrating activities designed to “magnify voices” and pressure decision-makers into action. These include a Gender Justice Walk in which dvocates dressed in orange will march in states including Benue, Kano, and Cross River to promote solidarity and awareness; podcasts and radio campaigns to amplify the need to prevent and eliminate violence; sensitisation visits to IDP camps targeting displaced women, girls, and those with disabilities.
Faith and Culture Take Center Stage
From Enugu and other South East states, under the Amplifying Voices of Leaders of Faith and Culture Project, 16 prominent faith and cultural leaders, such as Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, and HRH Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, the Emir of Zazzau, have joined the campaign. Their involvement underscores the vital role of cultural and religious institutions in shifting societal norms and promoting gender justice.
“The inclusion of leaders of faith and culture is essential to addressing deep-rooted social norms that perpetuate violence,” said Dr. Ken Ike Okere, Executive Director of the WABMA Media Development Foundation, whose organisation and partners receive support from the Ford Foundation. He emphasised the campaign’s inclusive approach, ensuring that no group is left behind.
Global and Local Partnerships
This year’s campaign aligns with global milestones, including the 25th anniversary of the UN’s designation of November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The UNiTE Campaign focuses on accountability, urging governments, private corporations, and civil society to adopt policies and allocate resources to combat violence effectively.
Key partners supporting the Nigerian initiatives include UN Women, development Research and Project Centre (dRPC), Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), and Action Aid Nigeria.
A Call for Action
Despite progress, violence against women and girls remains rampant. Advocates call for accelerated implementation of international and regional conventions, gender-responsive policing, and sustainable funding for women’s rights movements.
“These efforts must transcend advocacy,” urged Odoh Diego Okenyodo, Project Coordinator for WABMA Media Development Foundation. “We must turn collective action into lasting change.”
With activities running until December 10, Human Rights Day, the campaign seeks to rally the entire nation—citizens, leaders, and organisations alike—to stand united against gender-based violence, ensuring a future where such violations are no longer tolerated.
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