With an unyielding commitment to eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Harmful Practices (HP), the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), in partnership with UN Women, is leading a groundbreaking initiative,

The UN Leap Project is an initiative designed to assess the commitments made by traditional and faith leaders in Nigeria to end violence against women and girls (VAWG) and eliminate harmful cultural practices. Through a comprehensive review process, the programme evaluates progress, uncovers existing challenges, and develops strategies to drive lasting change.

Central to this effort is the empowerment of traditional and faith leaders as key agents of transformation within their communities. By providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools, WARIF enables these leaders to spearhead awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts aimed at dismantling harmful gender norms and practices.

In collaboration with WARIF and UN Women, with support from the Ford Foundation, the initiative marks a unified stand against deeply rooted practices that have long jeopardised the safety, dignity, and rights of women and girls.

In a landmark move for gender justice and human rights in Nigeria, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, His Royal Highness Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, has officially declared an immediate ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), wife battery, sexual violence, and all forms of economic disempowerment against widows. This declaration, made on May 8, 2025, follows months of extensive consultations with elders, youth leaders, religious figures, women’s groups, and members of the broader community.

According to the royal father, the following harmful practices are officially abolished within the Kingdom of Uyo and its jurisdiction. All forms of domestic violence, including wife battery, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Denial of inheritance rights to widows, all forms of economic disempowerment, and sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation.

Okon stated: “This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to uphold human dignity, ensure gender justice, and foster a society grounded in peace, respect, and shared humanity,” declared His Royal Highness.

In Cross River state, another pivotal declaration was made by His Royal Majesty, Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebabni, Paramount Ruler/ Chairman of Akamkpa Traditional Ruler Council, represented by His Royal Highness, Ntufam Barrister, Richard Asuquo, Clan Head, Ekarebe South, declared that: “It is one thing to make a declaration and it’s another for its enforceability of that declaration. We are asking the government of Cross River State, especially through the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Commissioner of Police, that when we bring such reports to the appropriate authority, legal justice should be done, to serve as a deterrent to others.”