As part of measures to curb the increasing cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the nation’s capital, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has taken the campaign to the six area councils in the territory.
Speaking at the sensitisation workshop for desk officers in Bwari and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) respectively, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said addressing GBV is crucial for building a just and equitable society.
She stressed that there is an urgent need to intensify campaigns against gender-based violence in the FCT as the seat of government.
The minister who was represented by the Special Assistant and Focal Person on Social Investment Programme, Hajia Maijidda Adamu Kuku, noted that gender based violence remains one of the issues affecting millions of individuals, particularly women and marginalised communities.
While highlighting further the importance of the workshop, Mahmoud maintained that the psychological, physical, and emotional impact could be devastating, leading to long-term health consequences and perpetuating cycles of violence.
She affirmed that aggressive campaigns could significantly raise awareness about the various forms of GBV, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment.
Her words, “Education and outreach efforts are essential to challenge societal norms and stereotypes that condone violence.
“Mobilising communities as we are doing today to participate in prevention efforts can create safe environments and promote collective responsibility.”
The minister, therefore, called on the participants to increase awareness in the fight against GBV at the 62 political wards in FCT with a view to changing harmful behaviors.
Also speaking, the Gender Officer, FCT Social Safety Nets Coordinating Unit, Celina Agana, stressed that the campaigns must be culturally sensitive and tailored to different communities, just as she emphasised on the use of local languages and Pidgin English.
She added that understanding local contexts and engaging community leaders could enhance the effectiveness of campaign, revealing that the cash transfer programme plays a major role in most communities.
Agana further said that intensifying campaigns against gender-based violence is a vital step toward ensuring human rights, promoting gender equality, and creating a safer society for all.
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