Al-Azhar trains Nigerian Muslim leaders to combat violence against women

A delegation of 12 Muslim clerics from Nigeria participated in a 14-day workshop at Al-Azhar University in Egypt to deepen Islamic perspectives on preventing gender-based violence. This program, organized by the Development Research and Projects Center (DRPC) with the support of the Ford Foundation, allowed participants to meet senior religious authorities, including the Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Ahmad El-Tayeb , and the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Nazir Ahmed Ayyad. During enriching discussions, these figures of Sunni Islam shared lessons drawn from Quranic sources and hadiths, affirming Islam’s condemnation of violence against women and recalling the importance of protecting women’s rights in society.

The objective of this visit was to strengthen the capacities of Nigerian imams to promote the prevention of gender-based violence in their communities in northern Nigeria, a region facing significant challenges in this area. In addition to the intellectual exchanges, the participants also visited Egyptian institutions supporting victims of violence, thus strengthening their understanding of social protection mechanisms. Upon returning, these religious leaders committed to raising awareness in their communities through campaigns and advocacy actions, in order to combat gender-based violence based on the principles of Islam.

This study tour marks an important step in the fight against gender-based violence in northern Nigeria. By drawing on Islamic teachings to raise awareness and mobilize their communities, Nigerian imams hope to bring about lasting change in behaviors and practices, while promoting women’s rights in line with Islamic values ​​of respect and justice