Abuja: The Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN) has mobilised male community leaders as champions in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The initiative was organised in partnership with the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership (RWVL) Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and ActionAid Nigeria. It convened traditional rulers, religious leaders, media practitioners, and other stakeholders in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Patience Iyakwo, an ASWHAN representative, highlighted the organisation’s strategic shift towards involving men, given that they constitute the majority of GBV perpetrators. She noted that previous interventions primarily targeted women, leaving a gap in engaging men who are crucial to addressing the issue. Iyakwo emphasised the importance of involving influential community leaders who can propagate these messages to other men.
Iyakwo also pointed out that poor reporting of GBV cases hampers justice, as many survivors report incidents to community leaders rather than appropriate authorities. She explained that delayed reporting often leads to the loss of essential evidence required for prosecution, despite the existence of agencies and policies designed to tackle GBV.
Development Consultant Mr. Martin-Mary Falana discussed the persistent prevalence of GBV, attributing it to weak implementation of existing laws and harmful social norms. Falana stated that survivors and their families often hesitate to pursue justice due to stigma, while political interference can obstruct law enforcement efforts. He also noted that women living with HIV face multiple forms of discrimination, such as eviction, domestic violence, and abandonment, stemming from misconceptions about the disease.
Falana urged community influencers to challenge harmful cultural norms and publicly denounce violence against women and girls, suggesting that consistent sanctions against perpetrators and vocal opposition from leaders could gradually shift societal attitudes.
The Chief Imam of Karmajiji Community Mosque, Abdullahi Dauda, supported the initiative, citing its alignment with the principles of faith, compassion, and justice. Dauda attributed GBV partly to inadequate parental upbringing, moral discipline, and education. He encouraged men to reject violence and create safe environments for women and girls to contribute to national development.
Similarly, the Ezeigbo of Nyanya Community, Dr. Ogbuke Charles, called on men to be role models for non-violent behavior and supportive partners in advancing women’s rights. Charles stressed the responsibility of traditional institutions to discourage harmful cultural practices and gender stereotypes that perpetuate violence and discrimination.
Media participant Ms. Stella Onah praised ASWHAN’s inclusive approach in engaging men in discussions traditionally dominated by women. She highlighted the importance of involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, journalists, and other influential men to change attitudes and address the root causes of GBV. Onah urged the media to continue public conversations on raising boys to reject violence and respect women, complementing campaigns to reduce GBV and HIV infections among women and girls.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project, a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada, aims to strengthen women’s rights organisations and promote gender equality, especially among marginalised groups across Nigeria.