UN Women Urges Sustained Male Leadership to End Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria and West Africa
UN Women has called for continued engagement of traditional, religious and male leaders to drive lasting change in the fight against gender-based violence across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
The call was made during the close-out high-level convening of the LEAP Project in Abuja on 29 June 2026. UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, represented by acting deputy representative Mrs. Patience Ekeoba, described the three-year Ford Foundation funded initiative as a celebration of strategic investment and collective commitment to preventing GBV through positive social norms and community ownership.
The LEAP Project, launched in 2023, is focused on empowering traditional leaders to actively combat harmful practices against women and girls. Ms. Eyong commended the Ford Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, state governments, civil society organisations, women’s rights groups, traditional and religious leaders, and development partners for their contributions. She particularly praised traditional rulers and faith leaders for publicly rejecting harmful practices, promoting gender equality and strengthening community accountability.
Ford Foundation Programme Officer Dr. Izeduwa Derex-Briggs echoed the importance of addressing deeply rooted social norms. While acknowledging the role of laws and policies, he stressed that lasting change requires transforming attitudes within homes, communities, places of worship and traditional institutions. He highlighted how the project shifted the conversation from awareness to accountability by positioning trusted community leaders as champions of prevention.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Mrs. Blessing Anunieke, expressed the Federal Government’s appreciation for the project’s impact. The ministry commended traditional and religious leaders for challenging harmful norms and promoting positive masculinity. It reaffirmed commitment to sustaining the gains through stronger partnerships, legal frameworks and greater inclusion of women in traditional leadership and decision-making.
Stakeholders agreed that the project’s legacy should be measured by safer communities, expanded opportunities for girls, and enduring partnerships that empower local ownership of efforts to end gender-based violence. The convening underscored that while significant progress has been made, sustained collaboration remains essential to translate commitments into tangible protection for women and girls across the region.
