Traditional rulers across Nigeria have been called upon to intensify their efforts in tackling gender-based violence (GBV), as recent statistics highlight the urgent need for community-led interventions.

The appeal was made during a two-day engagement organized by UN Women and the Federal Ministry of Justice, with support from the Ford Foundation, aimed at equipping traditional leaders with the knowledge and tools to prevent violence and respond to cases in their communities.

Speaking at the event, Patience Ekeoba, National Programme Officer for UN Women, who represented the Country Representative, urged traditional rulers to lead the charge in challenging harmful cultural norms that enable violence against women and girls.

“This is not just a workshop—it’s a call to action,” Ekeoba said. “You are the ones people listen to. Your voice can end harmful practices, and your influence can bring justice.”

Citing data from the World Health Organization, Ekeoba noted that one in three women globally has experienced violence, most often from intimate partners. She also referenced Nigeria’s 2018 Demographic and Health Survey, which revealed that 30% of women aged 15 to 49 had suffered physical violence.

While laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Act exist in Nigeria, Ekeoba acknowledged that gaps remain in enforcement and community-level awareness.

“We need to stop the violence before it happens,” she said. “If you drive a nail into a wall and remove it, the hole remains. That’s the scar a victim of violence carries.”

Traditional rulers in attendance were encouraged to act as first responders and educators within their domains, taking the knowledge gained from the session back to train others and foster preventive measures.

Representing the National Convener of the Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (COTLA), His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika, Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, reaffirmed their commitment to the cause.

“As traditional rulers, we are uniquely placed to change mindsets and influence behavior,” he said. “We pledge our support.”

The initiative builds on a similar program held in Lagos in 2018, and organizers expressed hope that sustained collaboration with traditional institutions will lead to long-term change.

The Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, represented by Mohammed Babadoko, Director of Public Prosecution, called on traditional leaders to work closely with justice and law enforcement agencies to tackle GBV effectively.

“This is a collective responsibility, and traditional leaders are crucial to bridging the gap between communities and
the justice system,” Babadoko said.

UN Women emphasized that combining cultural leadership with political will and community-level advocacy can drive lasting transformation.

“Together, with strong cultural leadership and political will, a Nigeria free from gender-based violence is not just possible—it’s within reach,” Ekeoba concluded.