Following the increasing cases of gender-based violence in the nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken the campaign to curb the menace to the six area councils in the territory.
FCT minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, while speaking at a sensitisation workshop for desk officers in Bwari and Abuja Municipal Area Council respectively, said addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) was crucial for building a just and equitable society.
She said there was urgent need to intensify campaigns against the menace 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, said gender-based violence remained one of the issues affecting millions of individuals, particularly women and marginalised communities.
While highlighting 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 said aggressive campaigns could significantly raise awareness about the various forms of GBV, including domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment.
“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,” she said.
The minister urged the participants to increase awareness in the fight against GBV at the 62 political wards in FCT to change harmful behaviours.
Also speaking, the gender officer, FCT Social Safety Nets Coordinating Unit, Celina Agana, said the campaigns must be culturally sensitive and tailored to different communities, just as she emphasised the use of local languages and Pidgin English.
She added that understanding local contexts and engaging community leaders could enhance the effectiveness of the campaign, revealing that the cash transfer programme plays a major role in most communities.
