FCTA CALLS FOR GREATER COLLABORATION TO EMPOWER WOMEN, END GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

By: Olubunmi Labiyi & Oluwakemi Adeyemi

In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has called on stakeholders, development partners, traditional institutions and opinion leaders to intensify advocacy and collaborative efforts towards the empowerment of women and girls across the Federal Capital Territory.

The Permanent Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Hajiya Asmau Mukhtar, Esq., made the call during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting on community engagement, advocacy and sensitization held in collaboration with International IDEA (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) as part of preparations for the 2026 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Addressing participants, the Permanent Secretary stressed that the empowerment of women begins with giving them a voice, protecting their rights and ensuring that they live free from all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

According to her, when women live in safety, dignity and security, they are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to their families, communities and the nation’s socio-economic development.

She emphasized that achieving this objective requires stronger collaboration among government institutions, development partners, traditional institutions and community leaders, noting that sustainable change can only be achieved through collective action.

As part of preparations for this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, Hajiya Mukhtar directed the Secretariat’s Gender Department, Planning, Research and Statistics Department, and Family and Community Engagement Department to work collaboratively in developing a comprehensive implementation strategy. She explained that the departments should immediately commence coordinated planning to ensure that advocacy, sensitization and community engagement activities are impactful, inclusive and effectively reach grassroots communities across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

The Permanent Secretary also commended the Association of Wives of Traditional Rulers for their continued support in mobilizing communities and promoting positive social values. She described traditional institutions as indispensable partners in changing harmful social norms, preventing Gender-Based Violence and amplifying awareness at the community level.

In her presentation, the representative of International IDEA, Ms. Chidera Okeke, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its partnership with the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat. She assured stakeholders that International IDEA remains committed to providing financial and technical support for the implementation of activities under the 2026 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign and other community-based interventions aimed at preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across the Federal Capital Territory.

‎She further expressed confidence that the partnership would deliver sustainable, community-driven solutions through advocacy, sensitization and active engagement with traditional institutions, women leaders and other critical stakeholders.

Participants at the meeting, including members of the Executive Committee of the Association of Wives of Traditional Rulers from the six Area Councils, pledged their continued support towards advancing gender equality and strengthening community ownership of initiatives designed to eliminate Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

‎The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to deepen collaboration, coordinate advocacy efforts and implement impactful community-based interventions that will protect the rights, dignity and wellbeing of women, girls and other vulnerable persons throughout the Federal Capital Territory.

‎Hajiya Asmau Mukhtar, Esq., reaffirmed that the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat will continue to champion partnerships that promote gender equality, empower women and girls, and build safer, more inclusive communities where every individual can thrive free from violence, discrimination and fear.

‎The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is observed annually from November 25 to December 10, commencing with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and concluding on Human Rights Day. The global campaign serves as a platform to raise awareness, promote advocacy, and galvanize collective action towards ending all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.