Overview
Gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices remain deeply entrenched in many Nigerian communities. To address this, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) launched a bold intervention aimed at shifting mindsets and mobilizing male-led institutions to prevent sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and challenge harmful cultural norms. Spanning Lagos and Cross River States, this project leveraged the influence of traditional, religious, and community leaders to spark cultural transformation from within.
Objectives
- Promote gender-equitable norms and behaviors at both the individual and community levels.
- Establish and strengthen community-led advocacy platforms that support gender equality and reproductive rights.
- Empower informal and non-state actors to champion policies and laws protecting women and girls from violence and harmful practices.
Key Achievements
Over four years, the project reached deep into communities, training 173 male leaders in rights-based advocacy, violence documentation, and the use of referral protocols. These leaders committed to including GBV discussions in their regular meetings—an unprecedented step in many of the communities.
Some standout collaborations included:
- Becheve Youth Congress (Cross River): In partnership with Ranch Youth Movement, 17 youth presidents and 75 youth reps discussed child marriage, resulting in a 16-point community resolution. (92 participants: 25 females, 67 males).
- Iwaya Council of Imams and Scholars (Lagos): Engaged 48 Islamic leaders on the legal frameworks addressing GBV and their role in driving change within the faith community.
- Igbogbo Bayeku CDC (Lagos): Held a town hall meeting with 170 community leaders (102 men, 68 women), where participants publicly committed to renouncing all forms of GBV.
- Traditional Leaders in Obanliku and Odukpani (Cross River): Town halls drew in 130 stakeholders, including paramount rulers and youth leaders, to pledge support for anti-GBV advocacy.
One memorable milestone took place in Yendeve, Obanliku. There, the paramount ruler hosted a community-wide reading and explanation of the Cross River VAPP Law and Obanliku bylaws in the local language, making legal knowledge truly accessible at the grassroots level.
Media Advocacy
To complement on-the-ground efforts, Centre LSD produced five short films designed to engage men and boys in meaningful reflection and action against GBV. These were shared widely on Facebook and YouTube, extending the reach beyond physical gatherings.
Challenges
- Funding limitations prevented direct support to local male-led groups.
- Cultural resistance, especially around child marriage, slowed behavior change.
- Weak enforcement of local bye-laws remained a hurdle despite strong community support.
- Poor infrastructure limited access to rural communities.
- Entrenched gender norms demanded constant, multi-tiered engagement.
- Insufficient support services such as legal aid and trauma counseling for survivors remained a significant gap.
Looking Ahead: The Way Forward
Centre LSD recommends the following strategies to sustain and scale the progress made:
- Expand Funding Support: Empower local groups with resources to run independent advocacy initiatives.
- Continue Grassroots Education: Leverage media, town halls, and peer learning to reinforce gender equality.
- Strengthen Law Enforcement Engagement: Train local authorities to effectively implement protective laws.
- Improve Infrastructure: Advocate for better roads and connectivity to reach remote areas.
- Support Survivors: Build accessible, survivor-centered services including legal aid and economic empowerment.
- Capacity Building: Offer ongoing training for community leaders, youth, and faith-based actors.
- Robust M&E: Establish systems for tracking impact and adapting strategies based on real-time feedback.
Conclusion
This project demonstrated that when men become allies in the fight for gender equality, the ripple effect is profound. By engaging male institutions, amplifying survivor voices, and reinforcing community accountability, Centre LSD laid the groundwork for a cultural shift that prioritizes safety, dignity, and equity for women and girls. With sustained investment and collaboration, the model is ready to be scaled beyond Lagos and Cross River, into every corner of Nigeria and beyond.
