Developed under the Partnership for Enhanced Violence Prevention among Religious and Traditional Stakeholders in Ogun and Osun States, Nigeria (PVP) project, an initiative led by the Centre for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN) with support from the Ford Foundation, the Code of Conduct on the Prevention of Physical Abuse (PA) and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) in Traditional Communities represents a landmark effort in community led safeguarding.

As custodian institutions of culture, heritage, and community life, traditional leadership structures have a responsibility to protect and treat every member of their community fairly. Developed together with traditional leaders in Ogun and Osun States, this Code of Conduct acts as a practical guide to keep community spaces, palaces, and traditional institutions safe, fair, and accountable for everyone, regardless of gender, age, or social background.

The primary goal of this Code of Conduct is to guide Royal Fathers, Chiefs, community elders, female traditional leaders, and traditional institutions in identifying, preventing, and addressing Physical Abuse (PA), Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).