Stakeholders have called on young faith leaders in Kwara State to take the lead in combating gender-based violence, stressing the critical role of religious institutions in shaping societal values and promoting safer communities.

The charge was given during a one-day capacity-building programme organised by Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiatives held on Saturday in Ilorin.

The programme, themed: "Empowering Young Faith Leaders as Digital Male Allies to Combat GBV," brought together young pastors and Islamic scholars, who were equipped with knowledge and digital communication skills to champion the fight against violence and abuse.

Speaking at the event, the programme manager of the organisation, Beula Ladanu, said the focus on male faith leaders was intentional, noting that men must be at the forefront of addressing the GBV crisis.

"When young male faith leaders, who are guided by spiritual values, are equipped with the right knowledge, prevention skills and digital communication skills, they can become powerful catalysts for change," she said.

Ladanu added that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote safer communities through faith-driven advocacy, particularly in protecting women and girls.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Olive Community Development Initiative, Mrs. Oluwatoni Adeleke highlighted the growing prevalence of GBV in the state.

She identified common forms of abuse to include domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse, abandonment, threats to life, and cases of missing children.

Adeleke also educated participants on the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, pointing out gaps in its implementation in Kwara State.

"As leaders in our respective places of worship and communities, we are better positioned to challenge harmful norms, transform attitudes, and promote values that uphold dignity and non-violence," she stressed.

A communication scholar, Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, expressed concern over the increasing rate of GBV in the state, revealing that between four and five cases are reported weekly.

She disclosed that over 159 cases were recorded in the past year alone, warning that the actual number may be higher due to underreporting caused by stigma and fear.

"Abuse is often hidden, and victims suffer in silence. We must break the culture of silence that enables violence by encouraging survivors to speak up and seek support," she said.

Abdulbaqi emphasised that because faith leaders command trust and respect, that singularly makes them effective agents of social change.

"As religious leaders, we must educate our followers, particularly men, on the importance of respecting and protecting women and girls. No religion condones violence or abuse," she stated.

She also urged faith-based organisations to partner with local support groups to provide assistance for survivors and ensure accountability for perpetrators.

The don further encouraged participants to harness digital platforms for advocacy, noting that while such platforms are sometimes used to spread harmful narratives, they can also be powerful tools for awareness and positive change.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that sustained collaboration between religious leaders, civil society organisations, and policymakers is key to addressing GBV and building safer communities across Kwara State.