The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has reiterated its dedication to tackling the high rate of Gender-Based Violence through community engagement across its twelve wards. At the launch of the "Inform Women, Transform Lives" campaign in partnership with The Carter Center and Brain Arc Limited, AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu, represented by Vice Chairman Yusuf Nadabo, emphasized the importance of empowering women with information to strengthen their families and communities.
The campaign aims to advance women's right to information, access to essential services, and support local accountability on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) referral and support services across all twelve wards. Maikalangu pledged the council's support for the campaign, stating that when women are empowered, they become partners and drivers of development, and that access to information enables them to make informed decisions.
The United Nations Women Country Representative, Miss Adek Bassey, highlighted the significance of inclusive development and gender equality in strengthening access to information as a powerful enabler of accountability, citizen participation, and sustainable development. She noted that access to transformative information opens doors to education, economic opportunities, political participation, and social justice, particularly for women and children.
Bassey also emphasized that women, especially in rural areas, face barriers due to lack of quality information, which affects their livelihood. She stressed the need for coordination among government institutions, legislature, civil society organizations, and the media to strengthen transparency in information and awareness campaigns.
Program Manager at Brain Arc Limited, Mr. Wisdom Hanson, noted that women globally suffer from various forms of gender-based violence, making access to information a vital tool in the fight against the menace. He stated that the organization is partnering with stakeholders to amplify the message through various channels, including radio, television, billboards, and community engagement.
District Head of Mabushi, Alhassan Mabuchi, welcomed the initiative, saying it is timely and necessary to sensitize women and children on their rights and how to fight against gender-based violence, particularly at the grassroots level. He promised that traditional rulers would support victims and ensure perpetrators face justice.
The launch brought together senior government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, community representatives, and the media to emphasize access to information on Gender-Based Violence prevention, responsive services, and accountable institutions. The event aimed to create awareness, build confidence, and open doors for opportunities among women, with a focus on community engagement and social behavioral change communication.
Key points
- AMAC Chairman restates commitment to addressing Gender-Based Violence through community engagement.
- The campaign aims to advance women's right to information and access to essential services.
- Stakeholders emphasize the need for coordination to strengthen transparency in information and awareness campaigns.
