Traditional rulers in Cross River State are leading a new effort to stop gender-based violence (GBV) and teenage pregnancy.
The monarchs are calling on government agencies, civil society groups, and local communities to work together and keep the fight going—especially in rural areas where the problems are worse.
They shared their views at special meetings organized by the State Ministry of Women Affairs, with help from UN Women and funding from the Ford Foundation.
These meetings were held in three local government areas to raise awareness among traditional rulers and community leaders about the growing dangers women and girls face.
In Creek Town, the Secretary of the Traditional Rulers Council, Ambassador Effefiong Eyo, said traditional leaders must play a bigger role in protecting people in their communities.
He said, “Traditional leaders can’t just watch from the sidelines. They must act. The biggest problem is the lack of security. Criminals take advantage of that, leading to more teenage pregnancies and cultism.”
He stressed the need to educate people about the laws that protect against harmful practices and gender-based violence.
Eyo also asked the state government to work with the police to fix and staff the Creek Town Police Station to help keep the area safe.
In Ukelle, the Traditional Rulers Council Chairman, Chief Ignatius Olam, said they are ready to end harmful traditions that hurt women and girls.
He said, “We’re ready to let go of customs that mistreat women. But we need proper systems for reporting cases, offering support, and ensuring justice.”
In Boje, Boki Local Government Area, the Clan Head, Chief Leonard Akam, said awareness campaigns in local languages are needed so people in rural areas can understand their rights.
He urged the government to spread awareness in local dialects and strictly enforce laws against child marriage, trafficking, female genital cutting, and unfair treatment of widows.
Akam also pointed out that many people, including some traditional leaders, don’t even know about protective laws like the Violence Against Persons Law, the Child Rights Law, and laws protecting widows.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Edema Irom (represented by Dr. Rita Eteng), said these meetings are part of a plan to make traditional rulers key partners in fighting gender-based violence.
