In Tiv communities of Benue State, Nigeria, a common practice is granting inheritance exclusively to the firstborn male child, or paternal uncles when the family doesn’t have a male child. The inheritance includes the deceased father’s assets, and in some cases, his seat on the traditional council of that community. If the first child is female, the tradition denies her equal inheritance rights. This deeply entrenched gender discrimination economically marginalizes women, fuels family conflicts, and even incites violence.

Through the Securing Nigerian Communities (SNC) project, Equal Access International (EAI) trained Women Peacebuilders (WPBs) on women, peace, and security, gender equity and social inclusion, inclusive security, and advocacy. EAI carried out the trainings in three different sessions. The goal was to equip different women’s groups to lead advocacy processes that promote women’s participation in decision making, while also addressing the hindrance of women’s participation. These trainings strengthened their advocacy skills to champion equitable inheritance rights and combat norms that promote gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls in their communities.

After receiving training from EAI in Naka, a community in Gwer West local government area (LGA) in Benue State WPBs mobilized and paid advocacy visits to the Local Government Chairman, District Head, and other key community leaders. They discussed the issues of women’s inheritance and other discriminatory practices and norms that perpetuate trauma and increase the likelihood of GBV. These advocacy efforts have been critical in shifting community attitudes and increasing support for equitable inheritance practices that recognize sons and daughters equally.

Notably, the former First Lady of Benue, Mrs. Eunice Erdoo Ortom was highly involved in the issue of women’s inheritance. She carried out state-level advocacy to Tiv traditional leaders and influential stakeholders. Because of these collective efforts, the Tiv Traditional Council issued a decree that ensured inheritance rights for both male and female children. This decree mandates the inclusion of female children in inheritance distribution across all communities and traditional councils in Benue and all Tiv communities. The First Lady’s advocacy efforts and the swift adoption of the decree in Gwer West have created a strong foundation for WPBs to continue advocating for gender equity in inheritance practices in their communities.