Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and traditional leaders have pledged to strengthen prevention structures and enhance support systems for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This commitment was made during a high-level sensitisation workshop on GBV prevention with the FCT Traditional Rulers’ Council, organised by UN Women and the FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop is part of the Advancing Advocacy, Policy, and Social Norms Change in Nigeria and West Africa (LEAP) project, implemented by UN Women with financial support from the Ford Foundation. Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, FCTA Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, highlighted the vital role of traditional rulers in reshaping harmful norms and promoting accountability to end violence against women and girls. She reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to strengthening prevention structures and survivor support systems across the FCT and urged all relevant stakeholders to actively champion the collective cause against gender-based violence.
Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, noted that despite existing laws like the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, implementation gaps persisted in communities with entrenched harmful traditions. Eyong emphasised the pivotal role of traditional institutions in transforming community attitudes and protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of women and girls throughout the Federal Capital Territory and beyond. She called on traditional rulers to ensure community by-laws protect women and girls from violence.
Alhaji Adamu Baba-Yunusa, Ona of Abaji, represented by Alhaji Haruna Tanko-Jibrin, Gomo of Kuje, expressed traditional rulers’ unwavering commitment to championing the fight against gender-based violence. He commended the FCTA and UN Women for facilitating the engagement with traditional leaders and pledged continued advocacy until gender-based violence is completely eradicated.
Similarly, Mr Lukas Ayedoo-Mizassan III, Etsu of Kwali, affirmed that traditional leaders were intensifying actions and collaborations to eliminate harmful traditional practices from all communities. He mentioned efforts to build a culture of reporting, responsiveness, and awareness to discourage families and clans from engaging in unacceptable practices.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the workshop was attended by traditional rulers from all six Area Councils, members of the media, and various stakeholders united in the ongoing struggle to eliminate gender-based violence within the FCT.