The President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Ikeja Branch, Mrs Nneka Eze, has called on traditional institutions to take the lead in preventing gender-based violence (GBV), stressing that community-driven legal frameworks and sustained engagements are critical to reducing the menace.
  
Eze spoke during the second yearly dialogue with traditional leaders on gender-based violence prevention.
 
The event, with the theme “Strengthening community protection systems through case management approaches in combating GBV by traditional institutions,” was supported by the Ford Foundation. 
  
She said traditional rulers occupy a strategic position as custodians of culture and leaders closest to the grassroots, making their involvement essential in changing harmful social norms that sustain GBV.
 
According to her, government efforts alone cannot effectively curb GBV, noting that stakeholders’ participation, particularly from traditional institutions are necessary to drive meaningful change.
  
“The central message is that traditional institutions must lead the change. They have the influence and power to shift mindsets and help communities understand that some practices once accepted are harmful and must stop,” she said.
  
The FIDA leader said the dialogue forms part of a broader programme designed to help communities develop bylaws that align with national laws while closing legal gaps at the grassroots level.
  
Eze explained that some participating communities have already drafted bylaws and identified areas requiring improvement, while new communities are being encouraged to follow the same process with technical support from FIDA.
  
Also, the National Financial Secretary of FIDA, Mrs Philomena Nneji, disclosed that sustained community engagement is key to the success of the initiative, adding that traditional leaders must amplify their voices and drive awareness within their communities.
  
Nneji highlighted the role of education and enforcement of laws as deterrents, urging community leaders to ensure residents understand both prevention strategies and the appropriate response when cases occur.
  
One of the traditional leaders, Giwa Omotunde Abduljelil, called for continued guidance about implementing community guidelines that support GBV prevention and survivor-centred responses.
  
Abdujelil, the traditional ruler of Inupa ancient town in Eti-Osa local government, lauded FIDA’s effort in preventing GBV in the state.
  
He stated that he had learned how to handle domestic violence cases and report them to the appropriate authorities.