When a King Speaks: The Power of Leadership in Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

There are moments in our work at HerRise that reaffirm exactly why we do what we do. One of those moments happened recently in a quiet, yet powerful corner of Ebonyi State.

As part of our “Voices Against VAWG” project—supported by the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund—we visited the palace of His Royal Highness Gabriel Nwite Ngele, the traditional ruler of Oriuzor Autonomous Community in Ezza North Local Government Area. Our goal? To seek royal consent and community buy-in for an important conversation: engaging men as allies in the fight against violence directed at women and girls.

What we received was more than consent—it was a declaration.

With sincerity and strength, HRH Gabriel Ngele pledged his full support to the cause. But he didn’t stop there. In a striking display of inclusion, he revealed that four women serve in his royal cabinet—and invited them to join the discussion immediately. Right there, in the palace, the conversation expanded to include women who are often unheard in spaces of power.

That moment was more than symbolic. It was transformational.

Because when leaders speak up, people listen. When men join the conversation, the narrative begins to shift. And when communities come together, cycles of silence begin to break.

At HerRise, we believe that real change begins at the grassroots—with honest conversations, bold leadership, and communities that refuse to look the other way. It’s not just about events or projects. It’s about voices—rising, again and again, until violence against women and girls is no longer normalized or ignored.

This work requires all of us.

To every man: You have a role to play.

To every leader: Your voice carries weight.

To every community: Change is possible—when we choose it.

Let’s continue to raise our voices. Let’s stand together. One voice. One community. One step closer to a safer world for women and girls.