Traditional and cultural leaders from across Africa have pledged stronger action against gender-based violence (GBV) as a high-level continental conference opened in Lagos.
The Conference of African Traditional and Cultural Leaders on GBV Prevention, convened by Ford Foundation and UN Women in partnership with the Nigerian government, brought together monarchs, policymakers and civil society leaders to push culture-driven solutions to GBV.
Speaking for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi described GBV as a major social crisis, stressing that silence enables abuse and urging stronger laws and community safeguards for women and girls.
Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken said lasting change requires engaging cultural authority, while UN Women leaders warned that some practices passed as tradition are forms of abuse rooted in inequality.
Royal fathers, including the Ooni of Ife, Emir of Fika and Emir of Shonga, reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling harmful norms and protecting communities.
The conference is expected to adopt a Regional Declaration and Sustainability Roadmap, formally integrating traditional leadership into GBV prevention strategies across Africa.
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