AMAC Launches Gender-Based Violence Campaign to Sensitize Women, to Embark on Community Outreach

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has launched a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) sensitisation and orientation campaign aimed at protecting women and girls and creating greater awareness of their rights and available support services.

The campaign, which was unveiled during the AMAC Women Gender-Based Violence and Orientation Drive, also featured the announcement of an emergency intervention helpline to provide confidential channels for reporting cases requiring urgent intervention and appropriate referrals.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Women Affairs to the AMAC Executive Chairman, Hon. Loveth Izekor, said the campaign was a further demonstration of the council’s commitment to the safety, dignity and empowerment of women.

Izekor recalled that the council’s Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), FCT, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, had on September 16, 2026, unveiled the Voice of AMAC Women initiative during the launch of the LADDER Initiative.

She said the new campaign was building on that commitment through the rollout of the AMAC Emergency Intervention Helpline and a comprehensive GBV sensitisation programme across all 12 wards of the council.

According to her, the campaign, tagged “Unite to Protect: Empowering AMAC Women Through Knowledge and Action,” would take the message directly to communities, markets and households.

She explained that her team would visit all 12 wards in collaboration with Ward and Community Coordinators, traditional rulers, Royal Mothers and religious leaders to educate residents on the prevention of gender-based violence and the appropriate steps to take when cases occur.

Izekor stressed that the fight against GBV could not be left to government alone, urging traditional and religious leaders, community leaders and residents to play active roles in breaking the culture of silence surrounding abuse.

She said the council, through its technical partner, Gender Agender, in collaboration with AMAC Broadcast Radio and other media partners, would educate women and girls on the various forms of abuse, their rights, available protection mechanisms and safe ways of seeking help.

She added that the council was also working with security, legal, health and community partners to strengthen intervention, referral and survivor-support mechanisms.

The Special Adviser urged residents to save and share the official emergency helpline, 09074475106, within their communities.

“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.

She said the initiative would contribute to building a stronger support system covering prevention, emergency intervention, legal assistance, healthcare, counselling and survivor support.

Izekor commended the Executive Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, for his continued commitment to the welfare, safety and empowerment of women in AMAC.

She also called on women and girls across the council’s 12 wards not to suffer in silence, assuring them that their dignity and safety mattered. She concluded with the campaign’s message: “Break the Silence. Call for Help. Unite to Protect.”