Traditional and religious leaders in Osun State have pledged to end cultural and spiritual beliefs that encourage violence against women and girls.
The leaders made the commitment at a Consultative Forum in Osogbo organised by the Centre for Women’s Health and Information, CEWHIN, with support from the Ford Foundation.
The programme, under the Partnership for Enhanced VAWG Prevention Among Religious and Traditional Stakeholders in Ogun and Osun States, aims to engage influential community structures to prevent violence against women and girls, including harmful practices, physical and sexual abuse.
The traditional ruler of Ara Kingdom, Oba Olubayo Windapo, said the institution must end practices that debase human dignity. He called for early education in primary schools to empower children to speak up against abuse.
Olori Abisola Aderibigbe Okunade Omirin condemned the abuse of women and girls. She pledged to sensitise women in communities to protect themselves and their children and to reject violence in any form.
At the session for religious leaders, the Amirah of FOMWAN, Osun chapter, Mrs Fauzia Adenike, described violence against women as “evil” that must be tamed. She said clerics would use sermons and training to sensitise faithful and prevent the menace.
CEWHIN also trained youths, legal practitioners and civil society actors on preventing internet-facilitated violence.
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