By Michael Oche
The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has mobilised residents across its 12 wards to speak out against violence and abuse of women and girls, urging victims and witnesses to break the culture of silence and seek help.
The council also unveiled an emergency intervention helpline as part of efforts to strengthen community response to cases of abuse and provide victims with access to appropriate security, legal, healthcare and other support services.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, the Special Adviser on Women Affairs to the AMAC Chairman, Hon. Loveth Izekor, said the initiative was designed to move beyond awareness to practical action in protecting women and girls.
Izekor, in a speech titled, “Unite to Protect: Empowering AMAC Women Through Knowledge and Action,” said protecting women and girls should not be left to government alone.
She called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community coordinators and residents to play active roles in identifying abuse, supporting victims and reporting cases to the appropriate authorities.
She said the initiative built on the AMAC Women 5 Voice unveiled by the council Chairman and Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), FCT, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, during the launch of the LADDER Initiative on September 16.
According to her, the latest campaign would take information on different forms of abuse, women’s rights, available protection mechanisms and safe channels for seeking assistance to markets, communities and households across the 12 wards.
“Protecting women and girls is not the responsibility of government alone. It is the responsibility of all of us,” she said.
Izekor said the emergency intervention helpline would provide a confidential channel through which residents could report cases, request urgent intervention and obtain appropriate referrals.
She urged residents to save and share the official emergency contact within their communities, stressing that victims or persons who witnessed abuse should not remain silent.
“If you see abuse, do not look away. If you know someone in danger, do not remain silent. If a woman or child needs help, help them find help,” she said.
The Special Adviser said the intervention framework brings together the Nigeria Police Force Gender Desk, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), healthcare providers, traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society groups and media partners.
She said the collaboration was aimed at strengthening prevention, intervention, legal assistance, healthcare, counselling and survivor support.
Izekor also called on traditional rulers and royal queens to help break the culture of silence in communities, while urging religious leaders to promote dignity, compassion and protection.
She charged ward and community coordinators to take the campaign to residents at the grassroots.
Reaffirming the council’s commitment to women and girls, she said: “You are valuable. Your dignity matters. Your safety matters. You are not alone. Do not suffer in silence. Break the silence. Call for help. Unite to protect.”
