The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has convened religious and traditional leaders in Plateau State for a two-day roundtable dialogue aimed at strengthening community-based prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) through collaboration and coordinated action.
The dialogue, supported by the Ford Foundation, is being held on November 4 and 5, 2026, at Emerald Resort and Gardens, Zarmaganda-Rayfield Road, Jos, under the theme, “Roundtable Dialogue Between Religious and Traditional Leaders on GBV Prevention and Coordinated Action.”
In her welcome remarks, FIDA Nigeria Country Vice President and National President, Mrs Eliana Martins, presented by the Plateau State Chairperson, Barr. Naankus N. Fyaktu, emphasized the significant influence of religious teachings, cultural practices and traditional beliefs in shaping societal attitudes towards women and gender-based violence.
She noted that practices such as female genital mutilation, early marriage and widow inheritance, alongside harmful interpretations of religious teachings, continue to reinforce gender inequality and expose women and girls to violence.
Martins described the roundtable as a platform for Christian, Muslim and traditional faith leaders to exchange perspectives, address misconceptions and develop collective approaches to advancing gender justice within their communities.
Speaking on the project’s progress, FIDA Nigeria Project Team Lead, Mr Fikih Obaro, presented an overview of the dialogue, its objectives and findings from the midterm evaluation of the three-year intervention being implemented in Plateau, Lagos and Ekiti States.
He explained that the project has supported the integration of GBV prevention messages into sermons, religious teachings, counselling sessions and community awareness activities, while encouraging collaboration among religious institutions, traditional authorities, government agencies and civil society organisations.
According to the midterm findings, religious institutions have increasingly embraced GBV prevention as part of their leadership responsibilities. However, he identified the need for stronger ethical guidelines, broader community engagement and increased involvement of men to sustain the progress recorded.
He stressed that preventing GBV requires a change in mindset and that religious and traditional institutions have important roles to play as ambassadors of the message across communities and different faith groups.
A traditional leader from Fobur community in Jos East Local Government Area, Adagwom Nyam Daniel Ajiji, shared his community’s experience, describing the intervention as impactful in addressing harmful cultural practices and improving awareness of women’s rights.
He identified inheritance-related discrimination as one of the major challenges previously experienced in his community, noting that women were often deprived of their rights under certain traditional practices.
According to him, the training and engagements organised by FIDA have equipped community leaders with the knowledge to intervene in cases of abuse, resolve issues within their capacity and refer serious matters to security agencies where necessary.
He said, “The issues we used to have in the past have been cut to the lowest minimum,” adding that women are increasingly aware of their rights and able to seek help when violated.
During a session on understanding the intersection between culture and religion, Mrs Rita Lasoju highlighted the need to distinguish between cultural practices, religious teachings and their interpretations, noting that harmful customs are sometimes given religious justifications.
She urged religious and traditional leaders to examine practices that undermine the dignity and rights of women and girls, develop shared messages against violence and establish practical commitments with clear responsibilities.
Participants were also encouraged to adopt the LIVES approach when responding to survivors of violence: Listen, Inquire, Validate, Enhance Safety and Support. They were cautioned against responses that blame survivors, force forgiveness or portray suffering as evidence of faith and loyalty.
Also speaking, Dr Maiwaazi Grace of Jos ECWA Theological Seminary (JETS) described the dialogue as an important opportunity for religious and traditional leaders to work together towards addressing violence and promoting peaceful coexistence.
She noted that the knowledge gained would be transferred to students, pastors, missionaries and other religious leaders, extending the impact of the intervention to more communities.
Dr Grace also highlighted the emotional and psychological effects of violence and insecurity in Plateau State, stressing the need to support leaders and communities affected by recurring attacks and trauma.
The dialogue further featured experience-sharing sessions in which Christian and Muslim participants presented accounts of interventions in cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, marital disputes, abandonment and the exploitation of vulnerable women.
The experiences highlighted the importance of community-based mediation, collaboration with traditional authorities and FIDA, as well as the need to pursue justice and accountability through appropriate institutions.
At the end of the sessions, participants highlighted strategies for strengthening collaborative GBV prevention, facilitating justice and accountability, and empowering women and girls.
The engagement forms part of FIDA Nigeria’s ongoing efforts, with support from the Ford Foundation, to strengthen the role of religious and traditional institutions in challenging harmful practices, promoting gender equality and building safer communities.
