By Philomina Brando
Traditional rulers, religious leaders and community elders across Nigeria have pledged to champion the elimination of harmful cultural practices, insisting that culture must uphold human dignity and not endanger lives.
The commitment was made in Abuja during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the National Human Rights Commission, where traditional institutions joined government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen protection for women and children.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu, the Director of Women and Children, Ngozi Okorie, said the initiative was aimed at reforming—not erasing—cultural practices that undermine human dignity.
“No culture is superior to human dignity. Our ancestors themselves upheld values of health, respect and human dignity,” she said.
Participants examined practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation and harmful widowhood rites, which they noted still restrict the rights, health and opportunities of women and girls across the country.
Stakeholders stressed that ending such practices was not only a human rights imperative but also critical to national development.
Speaking at the event, Izeduwa Derex-Briggs of the Ford Foundation called for honest community conversations on the continued relevance of such traditions.
“Many of these practices have existed for generations. We need open conversations on whether they still serve us and how they affect our people today,” he said.
Also speaking, Tasha Roseline of the Federal Ministry of Justice said government was intensifying efforts to strengthen legal protections, expand legal aid and improve public awareness.
A presentation by Joy Ezeilo highlighted data on harmful practices, existing legal safeguards and their social impact on women and girls.
Meanwhile, Chino Obiagwu of the Legal Defence and Assistance Project emphasised the importance of community ownership in driving reforms.
“Gender equity won’t work if it’s imposed from outside. Communities must own the reforms,” he said.
Participants agreed that legislation alone would not end harmful practices and resolved to adopt community-based measures promoting dignity, girl-child education, maternal health and women’s inclusion in decision-making.
They also pledged to collaborate with the NHRC in monitoring progress at the grassroots level, noting that protecting women and children would strengthen economic growth, peace and social stability.
One traditional ruler at the meeting said, “When our daughters are safe and educated, our communities prosper.”