The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ikeja Branch yesterday held a sensitisation programme for traditional rulers in Lagos State, emphasising their crucial role in preventing violence against women and girls.

At the event, FIDA highlighted that community structures, including the characteristics of neighbourhoods and settings, significantly contribute to gender-based violence (GBV).

The sensitisation was part of FIDA’s ongoing project, supported by the Ford Foundation, aimed at fostering collaboration between religious, traditional, and government leaders to combat gender-based violence.

Speaking during the yearly dialogue with the State Council of Traditional Leaders, Vice National President of FIDA, Mrs Amina Agbaje, explained that grassroots structures often perpetuate violence against women and girls (VAWG) with impunity.

She noted that in many Nigerian communities, traditional beliefs create economic barriers for women, restricting resource control and allocation predominantly to men.

Agbaje stressed that the programme was in response to the rising cases of violence against women and girls across Nigeria, driven by a complex mix of faith, cultural, economic, political, historical, and social factors.

She added that reliable statistics on rape are difficult to obtain globally, as many victims choose not to report sexual violence.

FIDA’s National Secretary, Mrs Eliana Martins, underscored the influential role traditional rulers play in their communities, making them pivotal in addressing gender-based violence.

She urged community leaders to be more sensitive, creating an environment where survivors of sexual and gender-based violence feel empowered to speak out.

Project Manager, Mr Fikih Obaro, reviewed the alarming increase in violence against women and girls, citing the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, which recorded 913,917 cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in 2021, with 158,517 cases involving women and children. He stressed that this underscores the urgent need for action to address the crisis.

In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, commended the state government for its leading role in combating gender-based violence. Represented by Mrs Muyibi Kabangu, she called on traditional rulers to intensify efforts to eradicate GBV in their communities.

One of the traditional rulers present, Mr Mukaila Muili of Idi-Orogbo, Shangisha, urged local councils to empower community leaders to address gender-based violence at the grassroots level.

He stressed that with proper empowerment, traditional leaders could play a more active role in resolving such cases locally.