Nigeria's fight against gender-based violence (GBV) takes center stage as Minister Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim makes a powerful declaration: traditional rulers are the key to ending the pervasive violence against women and girls. This statement, made at a national convening in Abuja, is a call to action for cultural and community leaders to step up and take responsibility.
But why traditional rulers? The Minister's Special Adviser, Mr. Jonathan Eze, explains that Nigeria's unique cultural fabric means that traditional institutions are integral to any successful national effort to curb GBV. It's a bold strategy, but one that acknowledges the deep-rooted nature of the problem.
Here's a startling fact: one in three Nigerian women is expected to experience GBV, with 70% of cases happening right at home. This is a crisis that demands more than just legal action. It requires a cultural shift, and traditional rulers are at the heart of it.
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim's speech was a rallying cry, reminding monarchs, elders, and cultural custodians of their crucial role. "We honor survivors, remember the fallen, and pledge to build a Nigeria where women and girls are free from fear." A powerful message, indeed.
The Minister highlighted legal advancements like the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Act, but she also stressed that laws alone aren't enough. They must be embodied in community values and daily life, and this is where traditional rulers come in.
A groundbreaking initiative, the National Audit on Women's Inclusion in Traditional Governance, will be a game-changer. It will assess women's participation in traditional councils, celebrate inclusive communities, and pinpoint areas for urgent reform.
The Minister also advocated for Special Parliamentary Seats for women, linking political inclusion to the need for women's voices in traditional decision-making. "Women's leadership strengthens families and communities," she asserted.
Connecting GBV prevention to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized family stability as a cornerstone of national development. She highlighted programs like WAVE, Solar Home Lighting, and Clean Cooking, which are already making a difference in the lives of Nigerian women.
However, she stressed the need to reach the most vulnerable women, promising to work closely with traditional rulers to ensure these interventions have a grassroots impact.
The upcoming 3rd National Action Plan (NAP III) on UNSCR 1325 will also rely on traditional institutions. Royal fathers often sense early warnings of conflict, from family disputes to harmful practices, making them vital in conflict prevention.
"You are Nigeria's moral compass and the vulnerable's first line of defense," the Minister said, urging royal fathers to champion GBV campaigns in their palaces, meetings, and cultural events to foster a zero-tolerance culture.
As Nigeria joins the global 16 Days of Activism, the Abuja convening aims to ignite lasting change. The Minister's prayer for a Nigeria where culture safeguards, leadership inspires, and women and girls are free from violence is a vision worth striving for.
Traditional leaders from diverse regions gathered, sharing insights for safer, more inclusive communities. But here's where it gets controversial: can traditional rulers, often guardians of age-old customs, truly drive cultural change? Share your thoughts below!
