The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has engaged religious leaders in Ekiti State as part of its intensified campaign to sensitize the public against the scourge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
FIDA explained that religion plays a crucial role in shaping behavior and social attitudes towards the advancement of gender justice in the country.
National Vice President and National President of FIDA Nigeria, Eliana Martins, spoke during the second annual two-day dialogue for religious leaders, titled ‘Strengthening Religious Institutions to Prevent Gender-Based Violence’.
The event organized by FIDA Nigeria, with support from the Ford Foundation, was attended by religious leaders and organizations from across the state.
The event featured several breakout sessions, interactive talks and recommendations, bringing together religious leaders and other key stakeholders from across the state.
Represented by the President of FIDA Ekiti, Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, she noted that in recent years the organization has remained resolute in its efforts to prevent gender-based violence practices in the state.
According to her, the three-year dialogue in its second year is organized to help dismantle cultural and social beliefs that promote gender inequality and violence in society.
He said: “We recognize that religion is enacted by social actors and can contribute to or counteract violence, including gender-based violence.
“In most cases, texts interpreted as supporting male headship figure prominently, and insistence on the subordination of women on the basis of religious ideology sponsors, justifies and fuels violence against women.
“Religion can fuel or curb violence. Texts used to justify male leadership often underpin women’s subordination.”
Project leader Ifeanyi Eze said the three-year project, now in its second year, seeks to increase gender-based violence prevention by engaging religious leaders and community guardians.
He said the goal is to integrate faith and the prevention of gender violence, using dialogue to promote protection principles that can help eradicate gender violence in the state.
“FIDA Nigeria, through dialogue, will create a platform for faith and religious leaders to reflect, exchange ideas and build consensus on promoting gender justice within their congregations and communities,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the religious leaders, Alhaji Abdulfatai Olorunkemi and Pastor Michael Oloruntoba described the dialogue as very successful and highlighted the importance of continuous sensitization across all religious platforms to reduce and prevent gender-based violence in the state.
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