By Abubakar Yunusa
The Women’s Rights Advancement Alternative (WRAPA), a civil society organization, has raised awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) among women and girls in Ushafa Community, in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This initiative marked the commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, focusing on the theme: “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Addressing journalists during the sensitization, Yemisi Nathaniel, the National Progressive Coordinator, stated, “We have sensitized them, providing a space for them to open up. That’s the essence of today’s program.
“The purpose of this sensitization is to make them aware of a place where they can report such cases, especially rape and physical assault. We appreciate the government for establishing the Sexual Assaults Referral Centre (SARC), and we advocate for increased investment in such initiatives.”
Nathaniel said , individuals expressed awareness of the SARC in Bwari and highlighted the need for community surveillance structures. Connecting various community entities, such as palaces, the Christian Association chairman, Imams, youth leaders, and market women, was emphasized to form a robust support system.
Speaking om the importance of legal understanding at the community level, Nathaniel said, “Before delving into legal aspects, we should enlighten them about the laws protecting women and girls against violence.
“It’s a community effort, and we are exploring what the community can invest in to ensure the reporting of gender-based violence cases in Ushafa Community.”
Mr. Solomon, the Chairman of the Christian Association in Bwari, called on the government to invest more in creating awareness and urged law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, to handle such cases diligently without succumbing to corruption.
He emphasized the role of parents in training and disciplining children for responsible representation outside the home.
On his part,Ushafa Community’s youth leader, Engr Ayyuba Dikko, reassured that domestic violence is against their culture, urging residents to report any observed cases for prompt action. He emphasized the collective responsibility to prevent and stop such incidents, recognizing the shared humanity of all community members.
