By Ebunoluwa Sessou

In its commitment to eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls, VAWG, and Harmful Practices, HP, the Women at Risk International Foundation, WARIF, in partnership with UN Women has launched an initiative called the UN Leap Project.

The initiative is designed to assess the commitments made by traditional and faith leaders in Nigeria to end violence against women and girls (VAWG) and eliminate harmful cultural practices.

Through a comprehensive review process, the program evaluates progress, uncovers existing challenges, and develops strategies to drive lasting change.

Central to this effort is the empowerment of traditional and faith leaders as key agents of transformation within their communities.

By providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools, WARIF enables these leaders to spearhead awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts aimed at dismantling harmful gender norms and practices.

In collaboration with the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) and UN Women, with support from the Ford Foundation, the initiative marks a unified stand against deeply rooted practices that have long jeopardized the safety, dignity, and rights of women and girls.

In a landmark move for gender justice and human rights in Nigeria, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo His Royal Highness, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon JP, NDM, AMBL, has declared an immediate ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), wife battery, sexual violence, and all forms of economic disempowerment against widows.

This declaration, made on May 8, 2025, follows months of extensive consultations with elders, youth leaders, religious figures, women’s groups, and members of the broader community.

According to His Royal Highness, Edidem Okon, the following harmful practices are abolished within the Kingdom of Uyo and its jurisdiction.

Including all forms of domestic violence, including wife battery, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), denial of inheritance rights to widows, all forms of economic disempowerment, and sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation.

His words: “This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to uphold human dignity, ensure gender justice, and foster a society grounded in peace, respect, and shared humanity”.

In Cross River state, another pivotal declaration was made by His Royal Majesty, Ophot Ebabni, Paramount Ruler/ Chairman Akamkpa Traditional Ruler Council, Cross River state, represented by His Royal Highness, Ntufam Barrister, Richard Asuquo, Clan head Ekarebe South, who declared that; “It is one thing to make a declaration and it is another for its enforceability of that declaration, we are asking the government of cross river state especially through the ministry of women affairs and the commissioner of police, that when we bring such reports to the appropriate authority, legal justice should be done, to serve as a deterrent to others”.

However, the UN Women Nigeria, represented by the Acting Deputy Country Representative, Ms. Patience Ekeoba, on behalf of Country Representative Ms. Beatrice Eyong, commended the councils and stated, “the Uyo Kingdom will now partner with the Government of Akwa Ibom State, WARIF, and other local stakeholders to implement: Community-based guidelines and bylaws, Comprehensive education and awareness campaigns, Survivor-centered support services, Accountability and monitoring mechanisms to ensure full compliance with the declaration”.

Meanwhile, the founder of WARIF, Dr. Kemi Dasilva Ibru who spoke on mplementing partners, stated that “This is indeed a landmark moment for WARIF in partnership with UN Women to witness the formal declaration on the abolishment of gender-based violence and harmful practices in Akwa Ibom and Cross River State, and promoting the safety and well-being of women and girls in rural communities.

“WARIF as an organization advocates for the eradication of violence against women and girls and a systems change through the implementation of policy and programs in collaboration with both the private and public governmental sectors, as well as stakeholders in the communities we serve”, she said.

Traditional leaders possess significant authority and have a great sphere of influence within their communities to shape transformative change and social norms.

They play a crucial role in abolishing age-old harmful traditional practices and safeguarding beneficial cultural values that ensure the safety and dignity of women and girls”.

This historic announcement positions the Uyo Kingdom, as well as the declaration in Cross River, has set a transformative example for other traditional institutions across Nigeria and beyond.

WARIF is committed to challenging harmful practices and shifting entrenched social norms by actively collaborating with key stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of Women Affairs, religious and community leaders, and traditional institutions across Nigeria.