FCTA CALLS FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS WITH DISABILITY
By: Kemi Adeyemi
The Mandate Secretary, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, has called for urgent collaborative action to deliver justice, rights, and equal opportunities for all women and girls, with special focus on those living with disabilities.
The Mandate Secretary made the call in her keynote address at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, organised by the Women Development Department of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat (WAS) themed: Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls. On Monday, 30th March 2026 in Abuja.
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi stated that inclusion is not optional but foundational to development.
“We serve in unity, peace, and love,” she declared, while appreciating partners and colleagues for progress recorded across the FCT six area councils, 62 wards, and numerous communities.
She celebrated every woman present as an “international woman” and “international champion”, particularly those contributing to structured platforms and partnerships.
In aligning with the global theme, Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi described the 2026 observance as a direct challenge: “Balance the scales” to ensure constitutional rights, justice, and opportunities reach every woman and girl child, leaving no one behind, especially women and girls with disabilities and special needs.
She stressed that the government cannot act alone and urged all stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric. In her word, “Action without collaboration is a cycle, together, everyone achieves more.”
The Mandate Secretary painted a vivid picture of the consequences of inaction as young girls denied education, women trapped in poverty due to denied opportunities, mothers lost to preventable health issues, and communities silent in the face of harmful traditional practices.
“The cost of inaction is measured in lost potential, broken systems, generational setbacks, and cycles of poverty,” she warned. “We have chosen action to spotlight women and girls, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable communities as our core call.”
She added that, the Secretariat has moved beyond conference halls into communities.
She recounted a notable outreach in Kuje Area Council (Bamishe Community) engaging over 250 women and girls with disabilities, including those living across rivers with no access during rainy seasons and emergencies handled by carrying people on heads instead of using ambulances. She emphasized that these are not mere stories but live realities demanding intervention.
Describing the visit as symbolic yet deeply committed, the Mandate Secretary pledged that the Secretariat will serve as a vehicle to scale impact through genuine partnerships.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Asmau Mukhtar, welcomed participants to the Secretariat, describing it as “the sanctuary for progress and the open point for the dreams of every woman and girl.”
She emphasized the importance of rights awareness, urging women and girls to know and protect their rights to education, freedom from violence and sexual harassment, informed decision making, and full participation in family and community life.
Also, speaking, the wife of the Ona of Abaji and President of the FCT Wives of Traditional Rulers Association, Her Royal Highness, Hauwa Ibrahim, urged greater involvement of men in advancing women’s rights, stressing that meaningful change requires their active participation.
The Royal Mother highlighted the persistent challenges faced by women and girls in FCT communities, including early and forced marriages, lack of opportunities, and various forms of injustice.
“Our position keeps us close to the women at the grassroots. We hear their voices and see their pains,” she said.
In a passionate appeal, she called for men to be invited to next year’s International Women’s Day celebration
