The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sensitized wives of traditional chiefs and chairmen of the FCT Area Councils to the ills of Gender-based Violence (GBV).
This was done at an event organized to educate participants on the use of data and technology in information-gathering and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls in the FCT.
In her opening remark, Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described GBV as a human rights violation, that is rooted in gender inequality.
Mahmoud, who was represented by Director, FCT ServiCom, Mrs Funmilayo Adebayo, noted that violence has devastating consequences for women’s health, including physical injuries, and mental health disorders.
According to her, it undermines women’s ability to participate in the society, access education and employment opportunities, and contribute to their communities’ development.
“GBV knows no boundaries of age, class, or gender; it is a menace that demands our collective response, and as we gather here today, we reaffirm our commitment to combating this menace.
“It is worth noting that despite efforts to address gender-based violence, it remains a widespread problem globally.
“Governments, civil society organizations, and individuals must work together to prevent violence from happening, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.
“This requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that addresses the root causes of gender-based violence, including gender inequality, discrimination, and harmful social norms and attitudes.
“By working together, we can create a world where everyone can live free from violence and discrimination based on their gender or sex.
“Let us remember that our actions today have the potential to initiate change, raise awareness, and contribute to the eradication of GBV in our communities. By harnessing the power of data and working together, we can build a safer and more inclusive society,” said Mrs Adebayo.
The mandate secretary, Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Hon. Ibrahim Aminu, said beyond raising awareness, the initiative is about strengthening all stakeholders’ capacity to respond to GBV effectively, given that the prevalence of GBV in the society remains high, and it is incumbent upon them to take concrete steps to address the issue.
Aminu reiterated the need to work together to ensure that every survivor of GBV receives the support and assistance they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
“Your presence signifies your commitment to the well-being of your communities and your determination to tackle GBV head-on.
“Your active participation in this programme will undoubtedly contribute to the success of our collective efforts in your various communities and area councils.
“I am confident that this event will serve as a catalyst for greater
collaboration, stronger data-driven interventions, and a renewed commitment to ending GBV in the FCT.
As we embark on this important journey, I urge all of us to remain focused on our goal of creating a society free from gender-based violence,” he stressed.
For her part, Hajiya Hauwa Baba-Yunusa, the wife of the Ona of Abaji, described the initiative as a welcome development, as it would boost the quest to eradicate the menace from communities across 17 chiefdoms of the FCT.
Aside from wives of traditional rulers and councils’ chairmen, other stakeholders such as women leaders, FCT mandate secretaries, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and development partners graced the event.
Highpoint of the event was the symbolic presentation of flex banners, bearing messages for the GBV awareness campaign drive in the territory.
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