By Shem Oluchiri.
Abuja, Nigeria | July 23–25, 2025.
In a vibrant gathering held at the Ajuji Greenwich Hotel, Faith to Action Network, in collaboration with Nigerian partners and members, convened a powerful National Capacity Sharing Training and Co-Design Workshop aimed at amplifying the voices of women of faith and deepening the collective commitment to end gender-based violence (GBV).
The three-day event brought together 40 influential faith actors, both Christian and Muslim from across Nigeria. With participants coming from within Abuja and various other regions, the diversity of voices underscored the urgency and unity in tackling GBV through a faith-driven lens.
“A Catalyst for Meaningful Change”
In her opening remarks, Ayoko Bahun-Wilson, Programmes Manager for West Africa at Faith to Action Network, emphasized the moral imperative and strategic role of faith actors in shaping gender justice:
“This workshop comes at a most opportune time and has the potential to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change… Let us be clear: gender equality and equity are not privileges to be granted, they are fundamental rights to be upheld.”
Ayoko further highlighted that the gathering is part of the broader Faith Movement for Gender Justice, a regional initiative active in 11 countries, that works to amplify local solutions and advocate for the dignity of women and girls.
Faith as a Tool for Liberation
Providing a deeply resonant keynote from a Muslim perspective, Dr. Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza called on participants to harness spiritual authority to challenge GBV:
“Gender-based violence is not just a social injustice, it is a spiritual betrayal. Islam unequivocally upholds the dignity, equality, and rights of all human beings. Misusing scripture to enable abuse is a betrayal of divine intent.”
Dr. Hamza urged faith leaders to use the pulpit, scripture, and their moral voice to correct misinterpretations and make mosques and churches safe spaces for survivors:
“Let our faiths be sources of liberation, not oppression… Let us rise as people of faith, as leaders, as believers to say no to GBV and yes to dignity, equity, and safety for all.”
Objectives & Milestones
The workshop advanced four key objectives:
- Co-create and design 20 national capacity-sharing trainings and workshops
- Develop 5 tailored training modules to elevate faith women’s voices
- Promote faith-based GBV prevention and response strategies
- Strengthen regional collaboration among faith actors
Outcomes included the initiation of internal planning with F2AN’s Knowledge Product Lead and the drafting of outlines for new training modules to be refined with member feedback. Ten workshops are already slated for implementation across Nigeria before the year ends.
Deliverables and Next Steps
By the conclusion of the workshop, participants had identified:
- 20 priority training sessions,
- 5 co-designed training modules,
- Clear timelines, locations, and participant lists for rollout, and
- Content tailored to specific regional needs and member feedback.
Collective Commitment to Justice
As faith actors, both speakers and participants reiterated their commitment to eradicating GBV. The workshop reaffirmed that faith institutions have the power—and responsibility—to be safe spaces, advocates, and champions of dignity.
“Violence thrives in silence. So we must speak out.” – Dr. Hamza
Faith to Action Network is proud to stand with its Nigerian members and champions in building a world where no one is left behind and no voice is silenced.
