Judge Calls for End to Cultural Practices Fueling Gender Violence

ABUJA, Nigeria – A senior judge urges Nigeria to dismantle cultural norms enabling violence against women, warning that systemic barriers continue to deny victims access to justice.

Justice Angela Otaluka makes the call in Abuja on Wednesday during International Women’s Day 2026 commemorations organised by the United Nations Gender Theme Group.

“Gender-based violence is a violation of fundamental human rights,” she says.

Otaluka highlights persistent challenges, including stigma, economic dependence and delays in the justice system, which discourage survivors from seeking redress.

She points to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act as a milestone, but notes gaps in enforcement.

“A justice system that does not protect women cannot be truly just,” she adds.

United Nations officials, including representatives of UN Women and United Nations Population Fund, call for stronger implementation of laws, improved legal aid and institutional reforms.

Data shows more than one in five Nigerian women experience physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale of the crisis.

Speakers advocate coordinated action across government, civil society and community leaders to build a gender-responsive justice system.

The event reinforces calls for accountability, stronger protections and cultural change to end gender-based violence nationwide.

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Mirian Gom

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Gom Mirian AHR Senior Correspondent, has over 8 years’ experience reporting on health, crime, education, investigations, and development issues across Nigeria and Africa. With dual degrees in Economics, she combines analytical skill with compelling storytelling. Widely recognised for her public health and humanitarian reporting, she earned a Nestlé Award nomination for compelling human-interest journalism. Follow her on Twitter @mirian_linus.

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