Faith Network rallies religious, traditional leaders on GBV reduction

By Monday Danladi 

A Faith to Action Network, a coalition of faith-based organisations committed to advancing justice, dignity, and human rights across Africa has rallied religious and traditional leaders on prevention and reduction of gender-based violence.

During an advocacy meeting Saturday March, 2026, organised by the Network, it was emphasised that Gender-Based Violence is not just a private menace but a public crisis which must be fought by all concerned people and organisations. 

The Convener, Dr. Mercy John, Nigeria Gender Justice Champion, stated that, "It affects our daughters, our wives, our sisters, and our mothers. It erodes the moral fabric of our communities and it demands our collective response." 

John noted that, "As faith actors, we believe that every human being is created in the image of God, worthy of love, protection, and respect. As traditional rulers and religious leaders, you hold the power to uphold these values in practice. You can challenge harmful norms. You can speak out against silence. You can lead the charge for healing and justice."

She added that, "We are not here to point fingers. We are here to join hands with you. To listen, to learn, and to act. Together, we can build a future where no woman fears walking alone, where no child suffers in silence, and where our traditions become tools of protection and not instruments of pain."

The Convener that, "Let this meeting be more than a conversation. Let it be a commitment. A commitment to use our influence, our wisdom, and our faith to end Gender-Based Violence in all its forms. Together we can change the narrative."

Mercy John recognised the sacred roles traditional rulers and religious leaders are playing not only as custodians of tradition nor as a religious leader but as protectors of their people stressing, "You are the heartbeat of your communities. Your words carry weight. Your decisions shape generations.Today, we come together to confront a painful truth."

In her remarks, Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Assistant National Secretary of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), stated that, "Indeed, strengthening traditional rulers, religious leaders to prevent GBV is no other time than this. Why? Because traditional rulers and religious leaders play a very crucial role in shaping societal norms, with the most important change within the community."

According to her, "By strengthening your capacity, you'll be able to go out there and prevent GBV. So, at the end of this workshop, you will not just learn, but learn and relate, so that you go out there to raise voices, to raise awareness on gender-based violence and all its consequences.

"So that you can also help in promoting healthy relationships and gender equality, so that you will help in providing to those who are going through violence, the needed counselling, so that they can begin to speak up, so that you will help in ending the culture of silence, so that you as a leader will begin to engage men, engage boys to be allies or allies in the prevention of GBV,' She stressed.

Williams, added that, "So you're welcome to this important workshop. I want to thank Dr. Mercy, and you have to be thankful to her for bringing you to be part of this, so that whatever you're going to learn now will help you to shape your future and will help give your capacity as a leader."

She stressed that, "I wish that you will join hands together with us in ending this menace that is eating deep into the fabric of our society. At the end of the workshop also, I want to hear the outcome of your deliberations and know the best way forward that we can support the work you're doing in participation."

In their separate remarks, representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jamatul Nasir Islam (JNI), commended the organizer for the meeting saying that it came at the right time when all hands must be on deck to act against GBV in all ramifications. 

Also speaking, traditional rulers at the programme lamented the increasing rate of GBV in the community stressing that efforts must be made to combat it and stop the trend.

They promised to play active roles in their various communities to join the fight on GBV with training and meetings organised regularly, commending the organizers for the programme.

The Traditional rulers declared that, "Together, we can end the circle of violence within the community.”