The leadership of Clerics in Nigeria under the platform of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) in partnership with United Nations Women, has set up a mechanism to confront the menace of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
The policy was validated and adopted at the 2025 annual general assembly and leadership retreat of the body, held over the weekend in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
Speaking, the UN Women country representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong, represented by the programme officer, Ibrahim Nurudeen, described GBV as one of the country’s most pressing human rights and public health crises. She called on faith leaders to cascade prevention messages into congregations and actively support survivors.
Eyong, who noted the vital role of faith leaders in reshaping social norms and attitudes through preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, also highlighted the importance of churches becoming safe spaces where survivors can seek help, healing, and justice.
In her words, “UN Women’s engagement at this retreat builds on ongoing collaboration with OAIC, funded by the Ford Foundation, to leverage 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.”
In his comment, OAIC President Elder Dr. Israel Akinadewo described the policy as a positive step that actively involves and challenges religious leaders to prevent gender-based violence. He noted that the policy would also serve as a model for other Christian and faith-based organisations 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.
