From Custodians to Champions: How Rivers State Traditional Rulers Are Redefining Culture to Combat Gender-Based Violence

In a landmark shift from passive oversight to proactive leadership, the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive, community-driven action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state. This commitment was formalized during a strategic convening organized by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, held in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the powerful theme: “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”

This event marks a critical inflection point in the fight against GBV in Nigeria, where cultural norms have historically enabled silence and impunity. By engaging traditional rulers—who are often the most trusted authorities in rural and peri-urban communities—the initiative aims to transform deeply entrenched practices into protective frameworks for women and girls.

[[PEAI_MEDIA_X]]

Moving Beyond Reaction: A Proactive, Community-Led Strategy

Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, articulated a vision that moves beyond merely responding to incidents of violence. Instead, traditional rulers are now committed to adopting proactive, preventive strategies that address the root causes of GBV before harm occurs.

“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” King Ubuo declared. This approach represents a fundamental rethinking of the traditional ruler’s role—from a ceremonial figurehead to an active guardian of community safety.

These community-led structures will function as early warning systems, training local women leaders and traditional cabinet members to recognize signs of domestic abuse, coercion, or harmful practices. For example, a woman leader in a village might notice a pattern of a husband isolating his wife from social gatherings—a common precursor to physical abuse—and initiate a confidential intervention through the traditional council before the situation escalates.

Enforcing the VAPP Law: Ending the Culture of Silence

King Ubuo further emphasized that traditional institutions are now committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains. This is a significant departure from the past, where customary law often took precedence over statutory law in matters of family and gender relations.

“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added. The longstanding culture of silence—where victims were pressured to keep abuse “within the family” or were blamed for provoking violence—will no longer be tolerated. Traditional rulers are now positioning themselves as enforcers of legal accountability, not just cultural mediators.

Practical examples of this enforcement include: publicly denouncing perpetrators during community meetings, referring cases directly to the police or social welfare offices, and using traditional fines or sanctions to deter repeat offenses. This dual approach—combining legal authority with cultural influence—creates a powerful deterrent.

[[PEAI_MEDIA_X]]

The Government’s Call: Transforming Societal Attitudes

The Rivers State Government reinforced that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement; it demands a fundamental transformation in societal attitudes. Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation (represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo), highlighted the unique and irreplaceable role of traditional rulers in shaping these values.

“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behavior, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said. This statement underscores a key insight: in many Nigerian communities, a traditional ruler’s word carries more weight than a government directive. By aligning this influence with the principles of gender equality and human dignity, the government hopes to accelerate cultural change from the ground up.

Mrs. Adebayo urged the rulers to actively promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also creating safe channels for victims to report abuse without fear of stigma or retaliation. This includes publicly celebrating survivors who speak out and ensuring that community meetings include discussions on women’s rights.

The Scale of the Crisis: Data That Demands Action

Providing a sobering national context, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu (represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun), described the gathering as both timely and urgent. He cited alarming data: 31% of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.

“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” Dr. Mamedu said. These statistics are not just numbers—they represent millions of women living in fear, often in communities where the very people meant to protect them are complicit in their silence.

ActionAid’s involvement brings technical expertise and resources to support the traditional rulers’ efforts, including training on trauma-informed response, legal literacy, and data collection to track progress.

[[PEAI_MEDIA_X]]

Traditional Rulers as the Frontline of Change

Earlier in the programme, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography. She emphasized that traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behavior and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.

“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said. This is the core insight of the initiative: sustainable change cannot be imposed from the top down; it must be cultivated within the cultural fabric of communities. Traditional rulers, as custodians of that fabric, are now being empowered to become its most effective champions.

Conclusion: A Model for Community-Based GBV Prevention

The event brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders—including government officials, civil society organizations, women’s groups, and traditional leaders—all committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

This initiative offers a replicable model for other states in Nigeria and across Africa. By harnessing the authority of traditional institutions, providing them with legal and technical support, and shifting the focus from reaction to prevention, Rivers State is pioneering a path where culture becomes a tool for protection rather than a shield for perpetrators. The message is clear: the era of silence is over, and the era of accountability has begun.

All credit goes to the original article. For more information, read the: Source link