Women affairs minister Pauline Tallen has called on religious leaders to support the country’s fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Ms Tallen made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of a three-day workshop for Christian stakeholders on skills and mechanisms for the elimination of SGBV in Nigeria.

The minister said religious leaders were influential and skilful with their platform to speak out against SGBV to their congregation, adding that it would help eliminate the menace.

According to her, the menace of SGBV is also embedded in some religious and cultural practices, ceremonies, rites and rituals, and these practices view violence against SGBV from a positive perspective.

The minister also called on community leaders and security agencies to declare a state of emergency on negative norms and customs which promoted SGBV in the society.

“I am happy to inform you that almost all the states in Nigeria have domesticated the VAPP Act, and we believe that sooner or later, perpetrators will be brought to justice,” noted Ms Tallen. “This training workshop is organised at a critical time in the life of Nigerian men and women who have taken (a) bold step to advocate for the enthronement of gender equality.”

Ms Tallen added that gender equality “is one of the sure ways to eliminate SGBV,” and she believed that religious and community leaders and other stakeholders should be trained to be able to speak out and support this noble cause.

“I like to appreciate in a special way the Lux Terra Leadership Foundation for this laudable initiative, as the outcome of this workshop would go a long way in complementing the effort of the ministry,” added the minister. “There is the need for all hands to be on deck. We must all stand together in the fight against injustice by ensuring appropriate action against this menace to put an end to it.”

(NAN)