The Ford Foundation Centre for Social Justice is spearheading a critical initiative to combat gender-based violence in West Africa, recognizing the pivotal role of religious, traditional, and community leaders in shaping societal norms and driving meaningful change at the grassroots level. This collaborative approach acknowledges the deep-seated influence these leaders hold within their communities and seeks to leverage their authority to challenge harmful cultural practices and promote gender equality. The Foundation’s strategy emphasizes the importance of engaging with these influential figures to dismantle the ingrained beliefs and traditions that perpetuate violence against women and girls. This partnership aims to foster a transformative shift in societal attitudes, moving away from harmful practices and towards a culture of respect, equality, and empowerment for women. The Foundation’s commitment underlines the necessity of addressing the root causes of gender-based violence through a multi-faceted approach that involves key stakeholders within the community structure.
A key element of the Ford Foundation’s strategy is its focus on fostering dialogue and collaboration. To this end, the Foundation organized a hybrid event titled “Traditional, Religious, and Community Leaders Driving Meaningful Change” as part of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. The event, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, served as a platform for critical discussions on strategies to challenge discriminatory practices and advance gender equality. Prominent figures such as the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe; Executive Director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, George Ehusani; and Islamic scholar Awwal Nasir participated, lending their voices and influence to the cause. Their presence underscores the significance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue in addressing this pervasive issue. The event provided an opportunity to share best practices, identify challenges, and formulate collaborative solutions to combat gender-based violence within the unique cultural context of West Africa.
The discussions at the event highlighted the multifaceted nature of gender-based violence and the need for a comprehensive approach to address it. Participants emphasized the importance of economic empowerment as a crucial tool for enabling women to escape abusive situations and assert their independence. Furthermore, the need for policy reforms that protect women’s rights and provide legal recourse against perpetrators was underscored. Community engagement emerged as a critical element, emphasizing the need to educate and raise awareness within communities about the detrimental effects of gender-based violence. By engaging communities at large, the initiative aims to create a social environment that rejects violence and embraces equality. The event served as a catalyst for collective action, bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering a shared commitment to eradicating gender-based violence.
Traditional and religious leaders, acknowledging their influential roles within their communities, called for a decisive shift away from harmful practices that undermine women’s rights and dignity. These practices, often deeply entrenched in cultural and religious traditions, perpetuate a cycle of violence and discrimination. Among the practices highlighted were harmful widowhood rites, which often subject widows to dehumanizing rituals and economic dispossession, and female genital mutilation, a deeply harmful practice with devastating physical and psychological consequences for girls and women. The leaders’ call for change signifies a crucial turning point in the fight against gender-based violence, demonstrating a willingness to challenge long-standing traditions and advocate for the well-being and empowerment of women.
Sarita Gupta, Vice President of U.S. Programmes at the Ford Foundation, articulated the Foundation’s belief in the transformative power of collaboration with religious and traditional leaders. She emphasized the unique position these leaders hold within their communities and their potential to drive meaningful change at the grassroots level. By partnering with these influential figures, the Foundation aims to create a ripple effect, influencing societal norms and promoting a culture of respect and equality. This collaborative approach acknowledges that lasting change requires not only top-down policy reforms but also bottom-up engagement with community leaders who can effectively disseminate messages of non-violence and equality within their spheres of influence. The Foundation’s commitment to this partnership underscores its understanding of the complex interplay between cultural norms, religious beliefs, and societal practices in perpetuating gender-based violence.
The Ford Foundation’s commitment to combating gender-based violence extends beyond this specific initiative. The Foundation is a key player in the broader effort to bolster democracy and human rights across West Africa, recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues. In collaboration with other prominent philanthropic organizations, including the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Luminate, and the Open Society Foundations, the Ford Foundation has launched the West Africa Democracy Fund, a $20 million initiative aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and promoting human rights in the region. This substantial investment demonstrates the Foundation’s dedication to fostering a more just and equitable society in West Africa, where women’s rights are protected, and their voices are heard. This broader commitment further contextualizes the Foundation’s specific initiative against gender-based violence, highlighting its role in a larger strategy to promote social justice and democratic governance in the region.
