Osemwegie Peace Temisan
The Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues on Thursday, held her maiden state level coordination meeting on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) with various Networks and Coalitions of CSOs, NGOs, Women Led Professional Bodies and other stakeholders across the State to address challenges hindering Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE). GEWE aims to eliminate major constraints preventing gender equality and women’s empowerment, enabling women and girls to fully participate in economic activities, political affairs, and social endeavors.
The Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Christabel Omoh Ekwu in her welcome address decried harmful cultural practices hindering women’s progress, particularly in rural areas, and she emphasized the need for synergy between the Ministry and NGOs.
She stressed the importance of women’s active participation in all aspects of life, saying, “Many women are voiceless and helpless about these harmful practices. We need to bring them to the knowledge of the law.”
“We want to coordinate our efforts to drive gender equality to the grassroots, as well as enlighten women and girls about their rights and powers,” she noted.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Barbara N. Osobajo, highlighted the key objective of the GEWE meeting to be the assembly of key stakeholders to discuss,to drive accountability and investment for GEWE as well as increase data and reportage on the thematic areas.
She charged NGOs to collaborate with the Ministry for better results, stressing the need to bridge the gap and create awereness of existing policies like the VAAP Law of 2021 and services at the Edo SARC.
Mrs. Osobajo emphasized, that “As you work in your spaces, remember the importance of integrity. We cannot be everywhere; that’s why we need all of you. We will reach out to know what you’ve done, and henceforth, there will be frequent interactions.”
A representative of the Centre for Gender Studies, Ms Ifueko Ewere-Aguebor, who holds the distinction of being the only female Karate Instructor in Edo State, made a compelling appeal to the government. She urged that Karats, as a sport, be incorporated into the educational curriculum. This inclusion, she argued, would empower the girl child by boosting their confidence and equipping them with self-defense skills. These skills, she emphasized, would become a reflex in case of sexual assault, thereby enhancing their safety and well-being. By integrating Karats into the curriculum, Ms. Ifueko stressed that we can empower future generations of women and girls to stand up for themselves and assert their rights.
Represented Networks and Coalitions of CSOs, NGOs, and Stakeholders included Market Women Association, Medical Women Association of Nigeria , International Federation of Women Lawyers FOMWAN, WOWICAN, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists , National Council for Women Societies ,Nigeria Girl Guides Association ,Association of Lady Pharmacists, Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, CONGOs, and Women in Agriculture.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the group to examine the SWOT analysis of GEWE under the UN Women for Edo State and promoted inclusion and synergy amongst Networks for wider reach, ensuring that women and girls participate fully in all aspects of life, where no one is left behind.
