Kwara community launches charter to tackle gender-based violence

The Agbarere community in Ilorin, Kwara state, has launched a community social charter to protect women and girls, promote gender equality, and hold perpetrators of abuse accountable.

The charter was unveiled by Kadir Baba Yusuf, head of the community, and endorsed by traditional, religious, and civic leaders. It is the outcome of sustained engagement and mobilisation by the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), with support from the Ford Foundation.

Agbarere is one of several communities where BBYDI is driving social transformation in Kwara. The initiative seeks to ensure women and girls are protected, included in decision-making, and supported by mechanisms that punish gender-based violence (GBV) offenders.

The launch event, held on September 20, drew more than 250 participants, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth representatives, security agencies, and civil society actors.

Delivering a keynote address on “Community Responsibility in Ending Gender-Based Violence”, Funmilayo Olutimehin, gender advocate and educationist, called for collective action against harmful norms and stronger support for survivors.

In a parallel session, Sanni Alausa-Issa, BBYDI’s communications director, emphasised the need for men to play active roles in ending GBV.

“We cannot end gender-based violence without confronting the roles that harmful masculinities play and replacing them with values rooted in empathy, respect, and accountability,” he said.Nurah Jimoh-Sanni, executive director of BBYDI, described the charter as a tool for community-led accountability and ownership.

“Our goal is to build a system where communities don’t wait for external interventions but take charge themselves. We’re here to support them with the tools, knowledge, and platforms they need,” she said.BBYDI said it will continue to advance the fight against GBV through education, mobilisation, and partnerships with traditional and religious institutions, with more engagements planned across Kwara state.