African Traditional Leaders Vow Action to End Gender-Based Violence
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Traditional and cultural leaders from across Africa renew a collective commitment to end gender-based violence (GBV), warning that silence and harmful customs continue to endanger women and girls.
The pledge comes at a high-level conference in Lagos organised by the Ford Foundation and UN Women, in partnership with the Nigerian government.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Health Commissioner Professor Akin Abayomi says GBV remains one of Africa’s most destructive social challenges.
“Gender-based violence thrives on silence. Africa’s future depends on laws and cultures that protect, not harm,” Abayomi says.
Speakers identify forced marriages, gender inequality and misused cultural norms as key drivers of abuse. UN Women Deputy Executive Director, Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda, says many practices are wrongly normalised.
“What we call marriage is often sexual abuse of girls. GBV is a symptom of deeper injustice,” she states.
UN Women’s Regional Director, Dr Maxime Houinato, stresses that culture can be a powerful force for protection when aligned with justice and dignity.
Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken says Africa has the potential to model transformative solutions despite persistent challenges.
Traditional rulers also challenge religious misinterpretation. The Emir of Shonga, HRH Alhaji Dr Haliru Yahaya Ndanusa, warns against using faith to justify violence.
“Anything that causes more harm than good cannot be justified by religion,” he says.
Organisers say the conference will produce a regional declaration strengthening survivor support, legal enforcement and prevention strategies across the continent.
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Otamere Gladness 
Koko Maxwella 
Chukwu Obinna 
Oluwafunbi Bello