FG, dRPC Partner with Islamic Scholars to Tackle Gender-Based Violence
FG, dRPC Partner with Islamic Scholars to Tackle Gender-Based Violence
The Federal Government has restated its commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria through stronger partnerships with faith leaders and civil society organisations.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Iman Sulieman-Ibrahim, at a stakeholders dialogue on Islamic Perspective on GBV Prevention and the official launch of GBV Prevention Guides for Muslim Opinion Leaders, held on Thursday in Abuja.
Represented by Mrs. Aisha Gana, the minister noted that Islamic scholars and community leaders have a critical role to play in challenging harmful cultural practices, correcting misconceptions, and influencing attitudes within their communities.
She stressed that the involvement of religious leaders would not only help in counselling families and supporting survivors but also in shaping public opinion and strengthening policy responses against gender-based violence.
“Religious leaders are uniquely positioned to correct harmful misconceptions, counsel families, support survivors, and influence policies against GBV.
Their voices carry authority and credibility that can inspire change and protect women and girls from abuse,” she said.
The minister also commended the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) for initiating the programme and producing tailored GBV prevention guides for Muslim opinion leaders, describing the effort as a strategic step towards addressing violence from both religious and cultural standpoints.
Earlier, the Executive Director of dRPC, Dr. Judith-Ann Walker, explained that the guides were designed to equip Islamic scholars and clerics with practical tools for promoting peace, gender equity, and family cohesion, while discouraging harmful practices that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
She noted that faith leaders are often the first point of contact in conflict resolution within communities and must therefore be empowered with accurate knowledge and resources to respond effectively.
The event drew participants from across the country, including imams, female scholars, civil society representatives, and policy advocates, who all pledged to intensify efforts to end gender-based violence in Nigeria.
