UN Women Urges Traditional, Religious Leaders to Combat Gender-Based Violence

• UN Women urges Nigeria’s traditional and religious leaders to combat sexual and gender-based violence, emphasizing their crucial role in advocacy
• Dr. Nesreen El-Nolla highlights that one in three Nigerian women experiences violence, calling for collective efforts to eliminate gender-based violence

The United Nations Women (UN Women) has urged Nigeria’s traditional rulers and religious leaders to actively engage in combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the country.

Dr. Nesreen El-Nolla, UN Women’s Deputy Representative, made this call in Abuja during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The annual event, held in collaboration with the Magdala Unity Foundation (MUF), was themed “UNiTE to Eliminate Violence Against Women.”

Addressing attendees, Dr. El-Nolla highlighted the alarming prevalence of SGBV in Nigeria. “One in every three women in Nigeria experiences some form of violence.

These figures represent reported cases, while countless others remain unreported. Despite progress, including the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, much more is needed to eliminate violence against women,” she stated.

She stressed the importance of involving traditional and religious leaders and male advocates to champion the rights and safety of women and girls.

Ambassador Victoria Bola Ihesiulor, President of Magdala Unity Foundation, emphasized the event’s goal of breaking down barriers that hinder women and girls from reaching their potential.

She called for stronger collaboration among organizations to create a robust support network for women’s welfare.

“Women continue to face systemic inequalities, limited political participation, and the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. Children are also victims of various forms of violence, including psychological, emotional, economic, social, and physical abuse,” Ihesiulor noted.

The workshop aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of SGBV, tackle its root causes, and provide sustainable solutions.

Participants were educated on legal frameworks to combat violence and promote long-term strategies for ending SGBV.