UN Women Reaffirms Commitment to Upholding Women’s Dignity, Ending Harmful Cultural Practices
By Ekanem ASUQUO
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of women and girls by working to eliminate harmful cultural practices that continue to undermine gender equality in Nigerian communities.
Speaking at a recent community dialogue held in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State , UN Women representative, Hassana Maina, Esq., commended the traditional rulers for taking bold steps to reform cultural norms that perpetuate gender-based violence (GBV) and discrimination.
“We are proud to partner with the people of Akamkpa in this crucial effort. Upholding the dignity of women is not just a legal imperative—it is a moral duty, and one that requires collective cultural reform,” she stated.
The dialogue, which culminated in the adoption of a binding Community Guideline by the Akamkpa Traditional Rulers Council, was organized by the state Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with UN Women and with support from the Ford Foundation.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom, revealed that the concept of community guidelines, which emanated from the series of dialogue sessions, was designed to fill a critical gap in the implementation of existing laws.
“The innovative concept of dialogue sessions culminating in community guidelines was conceived after our royal fathers across the state raised serious concerns that their views were not captured in the process leading to the passage of some of our laws meant to curtail exploitations and dehumanizing treatment of vulnerable women,” she said.
“We had to devise an all-inclusive approach. Hence, what we are witnessing today is a true community-owned solution.”
As part of the pact, several harmful practices were declared abolished, including female genital mutilation (FGM), forceful ejection of women due to widowhood, childlessness, or divorce, and harmful widowhood rites.
The guideline also reaffirms women’s inheritance rights and enforces a zero-tolerance policy on rape and sexual violence. While inappropriate dressing is discouraged culturally, the pact emphasizes that it must never be used as justification for violence.
The Village Head of Obung, His Highness Ntufam Ignatius Enoh, welcomed the development, noting that it will help end the degradation suffered by women in the name of tradition.
“The community guidelines are our contribution to upholding the dignity and rights of our daughters. It is in tandem with our esteemed culture and traditions,” he said.
The Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, His Royal Majesty Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebabni, who led the traditional council in endorsing the pact, described the move as a major milestone in the evolution of culture that serves humanity.
“Culture should uphold human dignity, regardless of gender. Our culture must protect the dignity of our daughters, rather than disparage their self-esteem,” he stated.
“We must lead by example to create safe and respectful communities. This pact is our collective voice against all forms of abuse disguised as tradition.”
The Community Guideline also outlines strict sanctions for violators, including legal prosecution under the Cross River State VAPP Law (2021) and community-based penalties such as public reprimands, fines, title withdrawals, and suspension from ceremonial roles.
To ensure compliance, each community is mandated to establish a GBV Watch Committee, designate Safe Reporting Focal Points, and hold quarterly forums to monitor progress and reinforce accountability.
The pact also states that certain serious cases such as rape, child defilement, physical violence, or denial of inheritance must not be mediated traditionally but referred immediately to the police and relevant authorities.
