The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has asked the government to pass stronger laws and enforce existing ones to stop the rising cases of gender-based violence across the country.
This call was made on Monday during the launch of a new Gender-Based Violence Prevention Project held in Abuja. Themed “Christian Leaders’ Response to Violence Against Women and Girls,” the event was led by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
Archbishop Okoh said faith-based groups must step up and take action, not just speak from the pulpit. He explained that abuse is happening too often and many victims suffer in silence. According to him, churches must reflect Christ’s teachings by protecting the vulnerable and standing up for justice.
He thanked the Ford Foundation and the Widows and Orphans Empowerment Organisation (WEWE) for supporting the project. He described the partnership as a powerful mix of faith and practical effort that could bring about real change.
CAN also announced a set of plans to tackle gender-based violence. These include awareness campaigns, training church leaders to identify and respond to abuse, and offering survivor-friendly support. Churches will also be encouraged to speak up for girls’ rights to education, safety, and dignity.
Quoting the Bible, Archbishop Okoh reminded Christian leaders that they are called to defend the weak and speak out for those who can’t. He said the church must stop treating abuse as a private issue and start calling it out publicly.
He urged all pastors and religious leaders to use their voices and influence to fight against domestic abuse and the denial of education for girls. He added that working with civil society and government agencies will help victims get justice and ensure abusers are held accountable.
The event ended with a prayer and a renewed commitment from CAN to lead efforts across the faith community to break the cycle of violence and build a safer environment for women and girls in Nigeria.
