The Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), in partnership with UN Women, has launched a bold initiative aimed at ending violence against women and girls (VAWG) and eliminating harmful traditional practices in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
Supported by the Ford Foundation, the initiative—The UN LEAP Project—focuses on evaluating and strengthening the commitments made by traditional and faith leaders across Nigeria to eradicate gender-based violence. Through a rigorous review process, the project identifies existing challenges and develops strategies to drive sustainable change at the grassroots level.
At the heart of this initiative is the empowerment of traditional and faith leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to lead advocacy efforts, raise awareness, and challenge long-standing gender norms within their communities.
Recall that on May 8, 2025, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, His Royal Highness Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon JP, NDM, AMBL, announced the immediate abolition of several harmful practices, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), wife battery, sexual violence, and the economic marginalization of widows within his kingdom.
“The following harmful practices are now officially banned in Uyo and its jurisdictions: all forms of domestic violence, including wife battery, FGM, denial of inheritance rights to widows, economic disempowerment, and sexual violence or exploitation,” the monarch declared.
“This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to uphold human dignity, ensure gender justice, and foster a society grounded in peace, respect, and shared humanity,” he added.
A similar commitment was made in Cross River State, where His Royal Majesty Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebabni, Paramount Ruler and Chairman of the Akamkpa Traditional Rulers’ Council—represented by His Royal Highness Ntufam Barr. Richard Asuquo, Clan Head of Ekarebe South—called for robust enforcement of these declarations.
“It is one thing to make a declaration and another to ensure its enforceability. We are calling on the Cross River State Government, particularly the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Commissioner of Police, to act swiftly on reports. Legal justice must be served to set a clear precedent and deter future violations,” said HRH Ntufam Asuquo.
UN Women Nigeria, through its acting deputy country representative Ms. Patience Ekeoba, applauded the traditional councils and affirmed continued collaboration. “Uyo Kingdom will now work alongside the Akwa Ibom State Government, WARIF, and other stakeholders to implement community-based bylaws, comprehensive education and awareness campaigns, survivor-centered support services, and monitoring systems to ensure full compliance with the declaration,” she stated.
Speaking on the significance of the declarations, WARIF founder Dr. Kemi DaSilva Ibru remarked, “This is indeed a landmark moment. These formal declarations to abolish gender-based violence and harmful practices signal real progress in our shared mission to protect the safety and dignity of women and girls in rural communities.”
She emphasized WARIF’s ongoing role in advocating for systemic change through policies, programs, and collaboration with both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. “Traditional leaders possess immense influence in shaping social norms. Their leadership is vital in abolishing harmful practices while preserving cultural values that protect women and girls,” Dr. DaSilva Ibru added.
The declarations in Akwa Ibom and Cross River set a powerful precedent for traditional institutions across Nigeria, reinforcing the role of cultural leadership in advancing gender equality and human rights.
WARIF remains committed to driving transformative change by working with law enforcement agencies, ministries, religious and traditional leaders, and communities to challenge harmful practices and rebuild safer, more inclusive societies.
