The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has called on religious leaders to stop distorting sacred texts to justify gender-based violence (GBV) against women. At the second annual dialogue on GBV prevention held in Lagos, FIDA’s Country Vice President Mrs. Eliana Martins highlighted how misinterpretations reinforce patriarchy and normalize violence within homes.
Supported by the Ford Foundation, the dialogue brought Christian, Muslim, and traditional leaders together to tackle harmful norms and promote gender justice. Martins emphasized that true progress against GBV requires collaboration with communities, governments, and faith leaders.
Speakers like Imam Abdulganiyu Oraji from Moricas University and Rev. Marcel Onwuka stressed that authentic religious teachings uphold women’s rights, dignity, and equality, and condemned the cultural practices wrongly attributed to religion that perpetuate violence.
The forum reaffirmed the critical role of faith institutions in transforming societal attitudes to protect women and girls across Nigeria.
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