Lagos: The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has called for a continuous review and strengthening of gender-responsive legislation to effectively prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country. The call was made by Mrs. Eliana Martins, the Country Vice President of FIDA Nigeria, during the second Annual Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue on the Review and Implementation of Gender-Responsive Legislations Preventing GBV.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the dialogue was organized in collaboration with state actors from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and its agencies, aiming to explore the ministry’s mandate on law reforms to prevent gender-based violence in the state. Supported by the Ford Foundation and implemented by the FIDA Ikeja Branch, the dialogue was themed ‘Promoting a Safer Environment for Women and Girls Using the Instrumentality of Gender-Responsive Legislation and Policies’ and focused on targeted legal reforms.
Martins emphasized that effective GBV prevention requires not only enforcement of existing laws but also continuous review, harmonization, and strengthening of legal frameworks to reflect lived realities, survivor-centered approaches, and prevention-oriented justice. She recalled that in 2025, FIDA Nigeria held its first annual multi-stakeholders dialogue in Lagos to assess the implementation status of gender-sensitive legislation and frameworks, examining the impact of social norms, cultural practices, and religious beliefs on law enforcement at the state level.
The dialogue served as a platform for state actors to address implementation gaps, institutional constraints, and contextual barriers affecting the effectiveness of GBV-related laws and policies. Martins noted that while implementation of state legislation remained critical, the effectiveness of GBV prevention efforts largely depends on the quality, relevance, and coherence of legal frameworks. She observed that laws addressing GBV, sexual violence, harmful practices, and women’s protection often contain gaps or ambiguities that weaken enforcement.
Dr. Ihuoma Ilobinso, a facilitator at the dialogue and lecturer in Commercial and Industrial Law at the University of Lagos, identified gaps in legislation, weak enforcement, and cultural biases as major challenges in tackling GBV in Nigeria. She highlighted the need to strengthen laws and institutions to better protect women and girls, pointing out that inadequate funding and lack of institutional support often hinder the enforcement of laws and addressing cases of violence.
Ilobinso also emphasized the role of cultural norms and stereotypes in perpetuating GBV and hindering the implementation of protective laws. She called for stronger collaboration between government institutions and civil society organizations, suggesting that sustained dialogue, institutional reforms, and improved support systems would create a safer environment for women and girls.
Mr. Fikih Obaro, a Senior Programme Manager at FIDA Nigeria, advocated for stronger policies and collaborative action to address GBV and protect citizens’ rights. He stressed the need for policies and decisions that are gender-friendly, gender-responsive, and gender-centric to effectively drive advocacy and prevent violations. Obaro also highlighted the importance of citizens’ education in addressing gender-based violations by ensuring people are aware of their rights and available remedies.
Mrs. Clara Mbachu, Vice-Chairperson of FIDA Ikeja, called for a review of outdated laws to effectively address GBV and cyberbullying, noting that many existing laws do not reflect current realities. She pointed out that cultural and societal pressures often discourage victims from pursuing cases, and emphasized the need for improved technology and stronger enforcement to track and punish perpetrators of cyberbullying.