Traditional Rulers, Others Seek Protection For Women, Girls Against Violence

Traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have called for more protection of women and girls from all forms of violence.

The call was made yesterday at the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) practice dialogue on ending violence against women and girls (VAWG), which included the public presentation of research reports and case studies.

The project is supported by the Ford Foundation.

The Ona of Abaji and chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers, said they have banned activities that suppress or abuse women in the nation’s capital.

He added that they had agreed to abolish child trafficking and to ensure equal treatment and protection of the girl child.

In her keynote speech, former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) newscaster Eugenia Abu urged Nigerians to oppose all forms of abuse.

The director-general of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajiya Binta Adamu Bello, said the government will work with WRAPA and other partners to implement the recommendations in the reports.

Ngozi Okore, who represented the National Human Rights Commission head, Dr Tony Ojukwu, said in a goodwill message that violence against women is a human-rights violation that undermines unity and development.

She said the commission will continue to promote and protect women and girls from violence, encouraging women to speak out and ensuring perpetrators are held to account.

Dr Amina Sani, representing the McArthur Foundation, said people should be educated on the interpretation of holy texts to prevent violence against women.

Hon. Victor Amadi Obuzor, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Civil Society, NGOs and Development Partners, said violence against women and girls is a societal challenge that violates fundamental human rights and called for greater engagement to protect women and children.

WRAPA BoT chairman Alhaji Abdulmalik Madi said there must be a deliberate transition to the next generation to ensure the protection of women and girls. He said the organisation will continue its work, including support for widows and children, as well as efforts to lift women and young girls out of poverty.

The head of WRAPA, Hajiya Sa’adatu Madi, said the reports reveal much about violence against women and girls and urged the government and partners to regard the recommendations as valuable. She commended the Ford Foundation for funding the research.