Stakeholders Call For Women Inclusiveness , Equity And Empowerment .
By Norbert Fidelis
The need for women to come together as a group and make their voices heard ,by promoting and showcasing their effort to the outside world has been highlighted. This was disclosed during one of the activities, marking the 16 days of activism ,to end all forms of Sexual And Gender Based Violence ,(SGBV) at the Chike Edozien Secretariat , Asaba
According to the Director , Min Of Women Affairs , Mrs Faith, Gender Equality And Women Empowerment , (GEWE) is calling on all women, to come out of their comfort zone and air their views by making their voices heard . Mrs. Faith Okpohworho, who represented the Hon Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development,Hon. Evang.Princess Pat Ajudua Ph.D at the Intergenerational Dialogue/Town hall meeting said , the UN Women GEWE Coordination Mechanism Platform Of Delta State , is a United Nation Women Country Representative ( Beatrice Iyom’s Initiative) that seek to bring women group from various grassroot together to speak with one voice . She said women who are doing great things in the closet will not be heard, as it will be likened to a man winking at a girl in the dark, adding that women should come out and support other women, in order to let people know what they are doing, as this will bring about increased representation
Also speaking, a representative of the Min. Of Justice , Barr. Akamaguna , who was represented by her colleague ,Barr. Voke Angbah said , offenders of Sexual Based Violence (SBV) can only be arrested , if there is enough evidence . Barr. Akamaguna highlighted some of the SGBV cases to include , physical violence , which is beating and other forms of physical violence , emotional violence, which involves psychologically abusing a woman with traumatic words and economical abuse ,which is depriving the person of money for her up keep and health care. Others include , forceful eviction by any of the spouse ,forced isolation from family and friends and denial of freedom and liberty
Speaking further , she said rape has gone beyond just penetrating a woman through the vagina, affirming that oral sex is also a rape case that carries a punitive measure of life imprisonment and paying of compensation to the victim , according the to new law . She however said that there is room for a plea bargain. Finally, she advised that the first thing to do for a rape victim is to take the person to a govt. hospital without bath .
Meanwhile, a representative of the Min. Of Agriculture Mrs. Edukugho Menewe, has advocated for women in Agriculture. She said women can practicalise agriculture within their compound and environment, saying that women play a vital role in agriculture . Mrs Menewa highlighted the role of women in Agriculture to include , economic growth, empowerment and food security, maintaining that they contribute to the economy by farming and selling their products. She also said that they use the food they process to feed their family, thereby contributing to food security.
Earlier on in the programme , GEWE Network Builder and leader , who also doubles as the Chairperson of Association Against Child Sexual and Gender Based Violence and founder of Working Fingers International Initiative, as well as a renowned community based gender and human rights activist in Delta State, Amb. Eris Jewo Ibi , had welcomed everybody to the event, saying that the UN Women GEWE Coordination Mechanism Platform Of Delta State is in Partnership with various ministries, local government , women led Associations, town unions, and professional women led network and groups , with Ministry Of Women Affairs as the coordinating ministry. . Other speakers at the event include , Prof. Jo- Edna Alumanah, Mrs. Otubu , representative of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and PROWAN President, Mrs. Tosan Erikpera, who highlighted the need for women to be self sustained in order to avoid being abused and marginalized . At the end of the programme, certificate of recognition was given to coalition members who have distinguished themselves as champions and community advocates .
This is the first UN Women GEWE Coordination Mechanism Platform meeting and Delta State is hosting network leaders from all over the State . The meeting is in commemoration of the 16 days of activism to end all forms of SGBV, with the theme ” Unite Invest To Prevent Violence Against Women And Girls “
