The appeal was made on Monday during the 2025 annual general assembly and leadership retreat of the African Instituted Churches, held in Owerri, Imo State.

Speaking at the event, the UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, described gender-based violence as one of the most urgent human rights and public health challenges facing the nation.

Eyong, represented by Programme Officer Ibrahim Nurudeen, urged faith leaders to spread prevention messages within their congregations and to actively support survivors.

She emphasized that religious leaders occupy a powerful position in reshaping harmful social norms and attitudes through preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. She further called for churches to become safe spaces where survivors can find help, healing, and justice.

Participants at the retreat pledged to intensify advocacy within their communities, noting that tackling gender-based violence requires collective effort from both religious and civic institutions.