Abuja: Association of Wives of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Traditional Rulers (WOFCTTRA) have advocated the urgent need to strengthen traditional justice systems in the territory. The association made the call when its leaders visited the Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Queen of Abaji Chiefdom, Haiya Hauwa Adamu, who is the President of the association, emphasized the importance of reinforcing the traditional justice system to address issues such as Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), gender discrimination, and child marriage among the Original Inhabitants (OIs) of the territory. Adamu highlighted that as custodians of cultural heritage and moral values, the wives of traditional rulers have witnessed challenges faced by women and girls in grassroots communities. The association aims to advocate for change and work to eradicate these issues by using traditional strengths to create a future free from violence and discrimination.
Adamu disclosed that the MacArthur Foundation, through the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), is already working to elevate the voices of women, youth, and individuals with disabilities within OIs communities. This initiative is integrating Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) into decision-making processes, thus advancing their political, economic, and cultural rights.
WOFCTTRA was established to enhance the traditional justice system for effective and inclusive dispute resolution in communities. This initiative aims to ensure justice delivery on gender discrimination, SGBV, and early marriage of the girl child. The association also seeks to increase awareness and understanding of these issues among the OIs in the six area councils in the FCT.
Adamu commended Benjamins-Laniyi for her leadership and commitment to women's empowerment and praised her for involving the wives of traditional leaders in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The association is also seeking technical support and financial resources to conduct training and improve the capacity of its members, alongside resources for awareness campaigns and support services for SGBV victims.
In response, Benjamins-Laniyi acknowledged the role of the wives of traditional leaders as critical stakeholders in implementing government policies and programmes at the community level. She noted the ongoing efforts to integrate these women into gender policy implementation and related laws in the FCT. The FCT Women Affairs Secretariat is also collaborating with UN Women to enhance the advocacy skills of these women, enabling them to address SGBV and other social issues in their communities.