The United Nations Women have urged religious leaders in Nigeria under the aegis of African Instituted Churches to tackle the prevalence of gender-based violence in the country.
Speaking during the 2025 annual general assembly and leadership retreat held in Owerri, Imo State on Monday, the UN Women Country representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong described gender based violence as one of the most pressing human rights and public health crises in Nigeria.
She called on faith leaders “to cascade prevention messages into congregations and actively support survivors”
Eyong who was represented by the Programme Officer, Ibrahim Nurudeen, highlighted the vital role of faith leaders in reshaping social norms and attitudes through preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, noting that the importance of churches becoming safe spaces where survivors can seek help, healing, and justice.
Eyong said, “UN Women’s engagement at this retreat builds on ongoing collaboration with OAIC, funded by Ford Foundation to leverage on the Influence of faith leaders to end Violence Against Women and Girls (LEAP) Project; a three-year initiative that mobilizes the influence of traditional and religious leaders to challenge harmful norms, promote equality, and institutionalize GBV prevention in faith-based structures.”
The President of Organization of African Instituted Churches, Elder Israel Akinadewo in his remarks described the policy as a positive step that involves and challenges religious leaders to the prevention of gender-based violence. He noted, “The policy would also serves as a model for other Christian and faith-based organizations in the fight against the menace”.
He said, “This year’s retreat was historic for OAIC and UN Women, as it culminated in the validation and adoption of OAIC’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Policy”.
“The policy adoption and follow-up structures represent a tangible outcome of the LEAP project, showcasing the impact of engaging religious leaders in systemic change”.
“This policy among many other benefits will help to ensure that harmful cultural practices, domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence are openly challenged at the grassroots. It will also assist GBV survivors to easily access support and justice.”
