This report presents the outcomes of a project aimed at equipping faith and traditional leaders to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and human rights violations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Side-by-Side Movement for Gender Justice, Centre LSD trained over 150 leaders across Nigeria’s northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest regions to interpret religious and cultural texts through a gender-justice lens and advocate against harmful practices like female genital mutilation (FGM).

Key results include heightened awareness, advocacy success in policy change (notably in Kano State), and stronger community actions supporting gender justice. Activities ranged from the production of the advocacy film “Royal Decree” to regional campaigns addressing early marriage, dowry practices, and women’s exclusion from leadership. The report underscores the critical role of faith and cultural institutions in advancing gender equality and documents lessons for future engagement with diverse religious sects and patriarchal systems.