Wives of FCT traditional rulers leads advocacy on ending GBV harmful practices

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Association of Wives of Traditional Rulers in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) last week led a community dialogue towards ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) harmful traditional practices against women and girls.
The 3-day advocacy, supported by UN Women and FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, led by the Association’s Chairperson, Hauwa Adamu Ibrahim, Wife of the Ona of Abaji.
Speaking at Kwali Area Council, Hauwa Adamu Ibrahim explained that the community dialogue was to raise awareness about GBV affecting vulnerable persons in FCT communities.
She said the dialogue provides an opportunity for community members to have a safe environment to discuss experiences related to GBV , discrimination, and proffer solution.
She added that the traditional ruler of Kwali, Luka Ayedoo Nizassan 111, since he came on Board has been a strong ally of women and children, and that she was confident of his support in in ending GBV and other traditional practices that have become harmful to Women and Girls.
Also, the UN Representative, emphasized that GBV is not only a Women issue but a societal phenomenon affecting everyone.
Discussions highlighted how unequal raising of boys and girls by parents has greatly contributed to irresponsible leadership and abuse.
According to the participants, the campaign was an eye opener and promised to ensure that acts inimical to the safety of women, and children will be prohibited.
On his part, the Kwali Traditional Ruler, Luka Ayedoo Nizassan while signing the agreement to uphold the rights of women in his community lauded the effort of the wives of traditional rulers in championing the cause.
He assured them of his support, even as the Kwali Chiefdom has always respected and recognized the position and contribution of women.
Similarly, at Abaji, HM Hadjia Hauwa Adamu Ibrahim appreciated the Ona for creating an enabling environment in his kingdom for girls to thrive alongside the boys.
She encouraged the community to promote shared responsibility in preventing violence , develop community- led guidelines for addressing and reporting cases and Encourage respect, dignity and equality for all genders .
According to her; “ This is about the growth and development of our Communities, if half of the population is unhappy and unhealthy due to traditional practices that affect their health and wellbeing, it will be very difficult for such a Community to experience growth.”
An e-signed statement from Deputy Director, Information FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Josie Mudasiru, explained that the traditional rulers showed their support and commitment by signing an agreement to ensure that GBV and other harmful practices will not be allowed in their domains.
It added that while the advocacy is ongoing so as to reach all the 17 Chiefdoms in FCT, it is expected that it will renew focus on the protection of vulnerable groups, especially women and children and encourage communities to collectively uphold dignity, justice and equity in their localities.
“ Participants at the dialogue included traditional rulers, community leaders ,women leaders and youth representatives.
“ Others are religious leaders, government and UN Women officials and members of the communities”, the statement added.