United Nations Women addressed church leaders in Nigeria about the serious problem of gender based violence. The meeting took place in Owerri, Imo State, during the 2025 general assembly and leadership retreat of the African Instituted Churches.
Ms. Beatrice Eyong, the UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said gender based violence is one of the biggest human rights and health problems in the country. She asked pastors and faith leaders to speak against it, share prevention messages, and give survivors the help they need.
The Call to Religious Leaders
The UN Women team reminded church leaders of their special role. They preach, teach, and guide people. With these roles, they can shape how communities think.
They urged churches to create safe places where survivors of gender based violence find care, comfort, and justice. Survivors should never feel ashamed or alone. Instead, they should feel supported by their church family.
The LEAP Project and Gender Based Violence
The meeting built on a program called the LEAP Project. LEAP stands for “Leveraging the Influence of Faith Leaders to End Violence Against Women and Girls.” This project is funded by the Ford Foundation and runs for three years.
The goal is simple: use the power of pastors, priests, and traditional leaders to fight gender based violence. Leaders are asked to challenge harmful cultural practices, promote equality between men and women, and make sure that churches have rules to prevent abuse.
OAIC President Speaks Out
Elder Israel Akinadewo, who is the President of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), praised the new policy. He called it a strong step that involves church leaders directly in stopping gender based violence.
He also said this new policy can be a model for other Christian groups. By copying this example, more faith-based groups can help to fight gender based violence in Nigeria.
Why This Policy Matters
This year’s retreat was historic because it ended with OAIC adopting a Gender Based Violence Prevention Policy. The new policy gives clear rules for stopping abuse and helping victims.
With this step, churches will now openly challenge domestic violence, harmful cultural practices, and other forms of gender based violence. Survivors will also find it easier to access support and justice.
Conclusion
The UN Women and the African Instituted Churches believe that religious leaders must take action. By teaching, preaching, and setting good examples, churches can play a big role in ending gender based violence. Together, they can bring hope, safety, and justice to many lives.
Conclusion and References
Gender based violence is a serious problem in Nigeria, but with strong action from churches and religious leaders, change is possible. The new policy shows that faith groups can lead the way in making communities safer.
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Reference: UN urges churches to tackle gender-based violence
