Foundation partners community leaders against gender-based violence

The Ford Foundation Centre for Social Justice has partnered with religious, traditional, and community leaders to combat gender-based violence in West Africa.

In a statement on Wednesday, at a hybrid event themed ‘Traditional, Religious, and Community Leaders Driving Meaningful Change’, held recently as part of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, stakeholders highlighted the need to address harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls.

The event, which marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, featured discussions on strategies to challenge discriminatory practices and promote gender equality. Speakers included the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe; Executive Director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, George Ehusani; and an Islamic scholar and advisory board member at the Development Research and Projects Centre, Awwal Nasir.

The leaders emphasised the importance of economic empowerment, policy reforms, and community engagement in tackling gender-based violence. They called for a shift in harmful widowhood rites, female genital mutilation, and other practices that undermine women’s rights.

According to the statement, the Vice President of U.S. Programmes at the Ford Foundation, Sarita Gupta, said the collaboration with religious and traditional leaders would help drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.

“We recognise the influence that traditional, religious, and community leaders have in shaping societal norms. By working with them, we can create lasting change that prevents violence and promotes gender equality,” she said.

The Ford Foundation reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that reduce gender-based violence and promote social justice across West Africa.

The PUNCH reported that the Ford Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Luminate, and the Open Society Foundations have unveiled the West Africa Democracy Fund, a $20m initiative aimed at bolstering democracy across West Africa.