Traditional and faith leaders from across West Africa, government officials, and representatives from international organizations have convened in Abuja for the inaugural Annual High-Level GBV Prevention Summit. This event aims to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in the region, which is often perpetuated by harmful cultural and traditional practices.
UN Women, supported by the Ford Foundation, organized the summit to evaluate progress made by leaders in their respective communities and to share critical insights. Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria & ECOWAS, lauded the Ford Foundation’s partnership in the Traditional and Cultural Leaders for Ending GBV by Advancing Advocacy, Policy, and Social Norms Change in Nigeria and West Africa (LEAP) program. She emphasized the pivotal role of traditional and religious leaders in challenging societal norms that condone violence, highlighting that GBV undermines not only individual rights but also economic growth and stability.
His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, and His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, both stressed the importance of collaboration among traditional and religious leaders to eradicate harmful practices against women and girls. Ford Foundation President Mr. Darren Walker, who was honored as a He4She advocate, underscored the need for ongoing investment in GBV prevention to foster a more equitable society.
Despite some progress, West Africa continues to face high rates of child marriage and female genital mutilation. The summit underscored the necessity of shifting mindsets through dialogue and knowledge sharing among leaders from Nigeria, Niger, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Ghana. This event represents a significant step in the ongoing battle against GBV in the region, building on the efforts of initiatives like the Spotlight Initiative and the LEAP project to enhance the capacities of traditional leaders and promote positive social norms.
