FIDA Challenges Religious Justification of Gender-Based Violence
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has issued a strong appeal to religious leaders across the country to help stop the misuse of religion to justify gender-based violence (GBV). The organization warned that distorted interpretations of sacred texts continue to promote the subjugation and abuse of women in Nigerian society.
Mrs. Eliana Martins, FIDA's Country Vice President, made this crucial appeal during the second annual dialogue for religious leaders on GBV prevention held in Lagos. The event carried the theme "Strengthening Religious Institutions in Preventing GBV" and took place on November 10, 2025.
Religious Misinterpretation Fuels Violence
Martins explained that the dialogue, supported by the Ford Foundation, formed part of a broader project titled "Engagement, Coordination and Sharing of Lessons on GBV Prevention between Religious, Traditional and Government Leaders in Nigeria." She observed that religion, when misinterpreted, has frequently been exploited as a tool for oppression, reinforcing patriarchal dominance and normalizing violence within households.
According to her, certain religious texts emphasizing men's "headship" are regularly used to justify violence against women. "Some men abuse religious doctrines to rationalize control and aggression in intimate relationships," Martins stated. "The insistence on women's subordination based on religious ideology fuels violence and sustains patriarchal control over women and girls."
She added that such subordination, reinforced through cultural and religious socialization, has convinced many women that gender inequality is natural and divinely ordered, making them resistant to necessary change.
Interfaith Collaboration for Gender Justice
Martins emphasized that FIDA Nigeria recognizes the central role of religious leaders as custodians of values and moral authority in communities. She explained that the dialogue aimed to create a platform for faith leaders to exchange ideas, address misconceptions, and commit to collective action against GBV.
The event also provided a safe space for interfaith conversations among Christians, Muslims, and traditional leaders to promote gender justice. Martins stressed that meaningful progress could only be achieved by engaging all sectors of society, including government, civil society organizations, and faith communities.
Imam Abdulganiu Raji, Head of the Islamic Studies Department at Moricas University College and Secretary of the Mission Board of NASFAT Worldwide, spoke at the event, clarifying that Islam holds women in high esteem and does not support any form of gender-based violence or injustice.
Discussing the Islamic perspective on women's rights, the cleric explained that Islam accords women dignity, independence, and protection, as clearly stated in the Qur'an. "The Qur'an has a whole chapter dedicated to the rights of women, including their rights to education, life, inheritance, and personal property," Raji emphasized.
He further clarified that Islam gives women the right to own property, inherit from parents and husbands, and keep their earnings. "A husband cannot dictate how a woman should spend her earnings, and Islam does not condone wife battery, neglect, or dehumanization of women," he stated.
According to him, many harmful cultural practices are wrongly attributed to religion, adding that superiority in Islam is not based on gender but on knowledge and piety. "Those who misinterpret scriptures to suit personal or cultural agendas are misleading people because Islam promotes justice, respect for women, and care for the girl child," he added.
Addressing Root Causes and Cultural Misconceptions
Reverend Marcel Onwuka from a popular Church in Lagos attributed the rising cases of GBV in Nigeria to ignorance, negative mindsets, and rigid cultural beliefs. He stated that many harmful practices persist because people fail to understand their consequences.
"When you know the consequence of what you are doing, you will not do it. Most gender-based violence cases are caused by ignorance and negative cultural beliefs," Onwuka said.
He condemned cultural practices that promote inequality between men and women, noting that such beliefs contradict God's word. "Culture makes some people think they are better than the other gender, but in our church, we preach equality of all people before God. The Bible does not differentiate between male or female; both are equal before Him," he emphasized.
Mrs. Nnena Eze, Chairperson of FIDA Ikeja branch, also weighed in on the controversial issue surrounding the alleged early marriage of Nigerian actress Regina Daniels to Senator Ned Nwoko, saying the case highlighted the dangers of marrying off young girls for economic reasons.
"Everyone knew the marriage was for economic benefit, and such comfort has an expiry date. Material wealth cannot replace happiness," she stated.
Eze noted that many girls forced into early marriages suffer emotional trauma and depression, with some turning to drugs as a means of escape. "Imagine being married to someone old enough to be your grandfather. That is traumatic, and such a girl may lose her sense of self and purpose," she explained.
Recalling her personal experience, Eze shared how she narrowly escaped being forced into marriage at 15. "My dowry was already paid in my village, but luckily, my father intervened and stopped it. I could have been a victim, and that is why I am passionate about this advocacy."
Eze urged religious and community leaders to use their influence to discourage early and forced marriages, stressing that ignorance remained a major challenge. "We believe that when religious leaders spread this message to their congregations, it will have a great impact. Civil societies like FIDA are already doing a lot, but everyone must join in this effort."
She maintained that collaboration between faith groups, civil society, and community structures would significantly contribute to ending child and early marriages in Nigeria.
