WIVES OF TRADITIONAL RULERS LEAD ADVOCACY ON GBV HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PRACTICES.
By: Josie Mudasiru
The Association of Wives of Traditional Rulers in the Federal Capital Territory Last Week embarked on a 3-day Community Dialogue towards ending Gender Based Violence and harmful Traditional Practices against Women and Girls.
The advocacy, which was supported by UN Women and FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, is led by the Chairperson, Hajiya Hauwa Adamu Ibrahim, Wife of the Ona of Abaji.
Speaking at Kwali Area Council, Hajiya Ibrahim, said that the Community dialogue is meant to raise awareness about Gender Based Violence affecting Women, Girls and Boys in FCT Communities.
She also said the dialogue provides an opportunity for Community Members to have a safe environment to discuss experiences related to GBV and discrimination, and to proffer solutions.
She added that since the Traditional Ruler of Kwali, HRH Luka Ayedoo Nizassan, came on Board he has been a strong ally of Women and Children, and that she was confident of his support in ending GBV and other Traditional Practices that have become harmful to Women and Girls.
Discussions during the event highlighted how unequal raising of Boys and Girls by Parents has greatly contributed to irresponsible leadership and Abuse.
Participants said the campaign was an eye-opener and pledged to ensure that acts inimical to the safety of Women and Children will be prohibited.
The Kwali Traditional Ruler, HRH 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 and said the Kwali Chiefdom has always respected and recognized the position and contribution of Women.
In Abaji, Hajiya 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 well-being, it will be very difficult for such a community to experience growth.
The Representative of Ona signed the agreement while other 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 communities.
While the advocacy is ongoing and expected 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
