Solutions Proposed to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria

On Thursday, during the 24th inaugural lecture at Redeemer’s University in Ede, Nigeria, Prof. Oluwatoyin Olatundun Ilesanmi, a Professor of Gender and Humanitarianism, proposed five priority solutions to address gender-based violence and complex humanitarian challenges in Nigeria. The lecture was titled ‘Vulnerability, Voice and Valour: Navigating Transformative Frontiers in Gender, Humanitarianism, and Psychosocial Wellbeing’.

Ilesanmi advocated for a fundamental shift in Nigeria and Africa’s crisis response, emphasizing integrated approaches that encompass gender, mental health, governance, security, and community wellbeing. She called for dismantling academic silos that separate clinical practice from humanitarian settings and urged universities to develop integrated approaches to human wellbeing.

Ilesanmi also recommended institutionalizing gender as a core analytical lens in development and humanitarian interventions, advocating for trauma-informed and inclusive strategies. She stressed the importance of protecting the psychosocial wellbeing of vulnerable individuals and caregivers and urged governments to enhance structural accountability in justice and governance systems.

Prof. Shadrach Akindele, the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, concluded the event by emphasizing the need for impactful change.