The International Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has called on traditional and religious leaders to take a proactive role in combating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across communities in Nigeria.
This appeal was made during a one-day Engagement Forum on the development and validation of an SGBV Accountability Framework for Faith-Based Community Actors. The event, held at Hazibal Hotel and Suites in Bauchi, was organized by IDFP with support from UN Women.
In a virtual address, Abainitus Hamman, Co-Chair of the Inter-Faith Dialogue Forum for Peace on Gender-Based Violence, emphasized that SGBV remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. He urged faith-based leaders to not only condemn such acts but to implement concrete measures to protect and empower vulnerable individuals.
“Our faith-based communities must play a crucial role in combating gender-based violence and upholding the dignity and rights of all individuals. Religious and community leaders wield significant influence, and it is their moral and spiritual duty to foster safer environments for women and girls,” Rev. Hamman stated.
The forum focused on developing a robust accountability framework to guide faith-based actors in addressing and preventing SGBV. The framework aims to equip leaders with tools, strategies, and mechanisms for effective intervention and advocacy.
Speaking on the project’s overview, IDFP Co-Secretary and Co-Project Director, Imam Shefiu Majemu, highlighted that the initiative, titled Faith and Cultural Leaders for Ending GBV by Advancing Advocacy, Policy, and Social Norm Change in Nigeria and West Africa (LEAP Project), is currently being implemented in Benue, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Ekiti states. He noted that IDFP has compiled a comprehensive database of faith-based SGBV actors to enhance collaboration and intervention efforts.
“This framework will serve as a critical resource for tracking SGBV cases, understanding challenges faced by community actors, and guiding policy formulation. Additionally, we plan to launch a digital reporting platform accessible to government stakeholders, ensuring legal action and policy responses to curb SGBV,” Imam Majemu explained.
Highlighting the role of men in the fight against SGBV, he pointed out that according to baseline reports, men are often the primary perpetrators. To address this, IDFP is developing a Men Champion Toolkit to encourage male religious and community leaders to spearhead advocacy and intervention efforts.
Religious leaders Mbami Godiya and Abdulkadir Zalani praised IDFP’s initiative, pledging their commitment to raising awareness and ensuring justice for victims in their communities. They also urged society to support survivors by rejecting stigma and fostering a culture of compassion and justice.
