African traditional and cultural leaders convene in Lagos to boost coordinated action and community-led efforts to end gender-based violence across Africa
African traditional and cultural leaders, government officials, and development partners have convened in Lagos to strengthen coordinated action to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) across the continent.
The Conference of African Traditional and Cultural Leaders on Gender-Based Violence Prevention opened on February 2, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, calling for cultural authority and community leadership to be central in ending GBV.
The event, organised by the Ford Foundation and UN Women in collaboration with the Government of Nigeria, runs through February 3.
Participants include the Lagos State Governor, His Imperial Majesty the Ooni of Ife, the Emir of Fika, the Emir of Shonga, Chief Siansali of Zimbabwe, Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa Dr. Maxime Houinato, and other senior policymakers, traditional rulers, and civil society leaders.
Speaking for the Lagos State Governor, Commissioner for Health Professor Akin Abayomi described GBV as a major challenge requiring urgent action.
“Silence about GBV is no longer acceptable; change must be intentional. Africa’s future depends on safe laws and just communities that nurture rather than harm,” he said.
Heather Gerken emphasised the need to collaborate with trusted cultural institutions, noting that “the immense potential of this region can inspire new ways forward.
We are proud to work with faith and traditional leaders transforming harmful social norms so women and girls can thrive.”
UN Women’s Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda warned against practices that mask abuse, describing GBV as a symptom of the need to affirm equality and justice across communities.
Dr. Maxime Houinato added that cultural authority can make communities safer when aligned with justice and dignity.
Dr. Chichi Aniagolu, Ford Foundation Regional Director for West Africa, stressed that tradition should never defend harmful practices.
“Ending harm does not weaken authority; it strengthens it,” she said.
The Emir of Shonga, HRH Alhaji Dr. Haliru Yahaya Ndanusa, cautioned against misusing religion to justify violence, while UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed M. Malick Fall reminded leaders that their influence can save lives and transform futures.
The conference is expected to conclude with a Regional Declaration and Communiqué on social norms transformation and a Sustainability Roadmap to embed traditional leadership in long-term strategies.
Organisers aim to strengthen partnerships among governments, traditional councils, African Union bodies, and civil society, improving support for survivors and scaling prevention efforts across Africa.
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