FCT Urges Students to Speak Up Against Harassment During GBV Awareness Campaign
AKACHI NOEL 
The FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs Secretariat, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, has urged students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to speak up against harassment and sexual assault. This advice was given during a road walk campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) led by Benjamins-Laniyi, involving over 310 students from the six area councils.
The road walk, part of the FCTA's initiative to commemorate the 16 days of activism against GBV, aimed to raise awareness about the intolerability of such acts within the FCT. Benjamins-Laniyi highlighted that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is championing the "FCT Day of the Adolescent Girl Child" to create safe spaces for them.
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Addressing the issue of GBV, she stated, "To orange our world in FCT means to orange the hope of the adolescent girl child. It's to teach our young girls to speak up and not allow anyone to intimidate them." The campaign emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where both genders respect each other, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
As part of the advocacy, GBV victims were encouraged to call the dedicated phone number 080 78 11 11 26 for assistance. Benjamins-Laniyi also appealed to parents and community leaders to support victims in speaking out, rejecting the stigma that often silences survivors.
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Emphasizing the need for temperance in the face of provocation, she noted, "Provocation brings about rash reaction," calling on both men and women to exercise restraint to prevent violations of human rights.
The road walk participants expressed gratitude for the campaign and pledged to disseminate the knowledge gained. The FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat, with Mr. Project's support, aims to bring renewed hope to the community, addressing issues of gender-based violence and fostering inclusivity.
