CSO, Traditional Ruler Condemn Gender-Based Violence, Demand Immediate Action in Niger Delta
Port Harcourt — Growing concerns over the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the Niger Delta have drawn strong condemnation from civil society advocates and traditional leaders, with renewed calls for urgent and collective action to address the menace.
PulseNets learnt that the Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Mr. Monday Osasah, and the Traditional Ruler of Rumuevuorlu Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Prof. Christian Akani, expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of GBV in the region.
The concerns were raised during an advocacy visit held at the palace of the traditional ruler in Port Harcourt as part of activities under the Male Feminist Network (MFN) Project. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the role of traditional institutions in preventing Gender-Based Violence and promoting positive social norms that support gender equality and community wellbeing.
In his opening remarks, Osasah explained that Gender-Based Violence remains a critical challenge affecting peace, stability, development and the overall wellbeing of communities.
PulseNets learnt that Centre LSD is implementing the Male Feminists Network (MFN) Project with support from the Ford Foundation to advance gender justice and reduce violence against women and girls.
According to him, the project seeks to mobilise men across Nigeria to become active allies in ending violence against women and girls while promoting positive masculinity, supporting women’s rights and challenging harmful social norms that fuel inequality and violence.
“We recognize that traditional institutions remain among the most influential and respected institutions in our society. Traditional rulers are custodians of culture, guardians of community values, and key opinion leaders whose voices shape attitudes, behaviours, and social norms.”
Osasah maintained that addressing harmful cultural practices and preventing violence against women and girls requires the active partnership and leadership of traditional rulers.
He noted that many women and girls across Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta, continue to experience violence, discrimination and exclusion, while harmful cultural practices, unequal power relations and destructive notions of masculinity continue to undermine their dignity and opportunities.
The Centre LSD Executive Director further stated that such harmful norms also negatively affect men and boys by encouraging violence, emotional suppression and unhealthy expressions of manhood.
Explaining the philosophy behind the initiative, he said the Male Feminists Network is built on the belief that men must become part of the solution.
According to him, gender equality should not be viewed solely as a women’s issue but as a community, development and justice issue that requires broad partnerships and collective action.
PulseNets reports that the organisation urged the paramount ruler to publicly champion the prevention of Gender-Based Violence by utilising traditional platforms, community gatherings and cultural events to condemn all forms of violence against women and girls.
The organisation also called for the promotion of positive cultural values that uphold the dignity, safety and rights of women while discouraging harmful practices that encourage discrimination and violence.
Among other demands presented during the advocacy visit were support for the development and adoption of Community Charters of Commitment on Gender Justice and GBV Prevention, collaboration with Centre LSD and the Male Feminists Network in organising community dialogues and awareness campaigns, promotion of positive masculinity, responsible fatherhood, peaceful family relationships and mutual respect.
The group also advocated for the nomination of Gender Justice Champions to serve as role models for equitable and non-violent community values, support for girls’ education and the inclusion of women in Councils of Chiefs.
Speaking during a lecture titled, “The Role of Traditional Rulers in Preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria: Focus on Rivers State,” Founder of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Dr. Otive Igbuzor, highlighted various forms of Gender-Based Violence recognised by the United Nations.
These, according to him, include domestic violence, intimate partner violence, rape, sexual assault, child marriage, female genital mutilation, emotional and psychological abuse, economic violence, harmful widowhood practices, human trafficking, sexual harassment and political violence against women.
Dr. Igbuzor observed that patriarchal norms often legitimise violence against women, restrict women’s participation in leadership, encourage male dominance and promote harmful forms of masculinity.
He encouraged survivors to speak out, noting that many harmful practices are sustained through cultural traditions, religious beliefs, family structures and community practices.
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The development expert stressed that positive role models have the capacity to transform attitudes and social behaviours within communities.
Among his recommendations were increased funding for survivor support services, enhanced capacity-building initiatives and stronger implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
The advocacy programme formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community-based approaches to combating Gender-Based Violence and promoting gender justice across Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region.
