By Olukayode Babalola

Africa Women Conference (AWC) and the management of the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) have pledged to deepen their ties to tackle problems unique to African women.

They made the pledge during a courtesy call paid by the AWC delegation led by Dr Jumai Ahmadu, to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, in Keffi, Keffi Local Government Area of the state.

Ahmadu said the visit was to congratulate the vice-chancellor on her recent appointment, which she described as well deserved.

She also said the visit was to deepen ties with the university on future collaborations aimed at tackling problems unique to African women especially in the rural areas.

Ahmadu said that previous collaborations had been successful, especially the establishment of the African Women Conference Leadership Development Centre for Women and Young People at the university under the Centre for Gender Studies.

“This initiative, supported by the former vice-chancellor, had already seen the graduation of its first set of students.

“I acknowledge the unwavering support from the university and emphasise the importance of women education and empowerment,” she said.

Ahmadu revealed that the conference was established in March 2018, to address problems unique to African women that ‘western solutions’ could not adequately resolve due to cultural differences.

She emphasized the significance of the collaboration between the conference and the university, adding that it’s uniqueness in the country.

Ahmadu affirmed AWC’s commitment to supporting the university and expressed hope that Liman would continue the work started by her predecessor, Prof. Suleiman Bala-Mohammed.

In her remarks, Liman thanked the AWC team for the visit and felicitations over her appointment.

She recalled being part of the delegation that first received the AWC as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and emphasised the importance of Africans coming together to solve their problems.

Liman shared her experience at the 60th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in Washington where she presented a paper highlighting the efficacy of many international policies in Nigeria.

She further stressed the need for African solutions to African problems.

Liman expressed her support for the AWC’s initiatives and acknowledged the progress made since its inception, restating the university’s resolve to deepen ties with the AWC to achieve more goals.

She encouraged further collaborations with key stakeholders, including First Ladies, to ensure that the policies proposed by AWC were embedded in national policies.

The vice-chancellor also emphasized the importance of conducting good research to address community problems and ensure the effectiveness of the conference’s initiatives.

Liman also assured the AWC team of the university’s continued support for their programmes and expressed her willingness to support the expansion of their initiatives.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Joan Odafe

Stakeholders in law enforcement and criminal justice for child sexual abuse survivors have called for the adoption of the ‘Child Forensic Interview Protocol’ to ensure that justice is served.

The stakeholders, including the Lagos State Government, the Police and non-governmental organisations, made the call at a workshop on Thursday in Lagos.

The workshop was tagged “3rd Installment of the Consultative Workshop for the Development and Implementation of a Child Abuse Investigation and Interview Protocol”.

Mrs Bisi Ajayi-Kayode, Chief Operations Officer of CeceYara, an NGO, said the numbers of child sexual abuses were staggering, as one out of every four girls and one in eight boys was abused before they turned 18 years.

“Forensic Interview is a structured conversation to elicit evidential information from the child in an age-appropriate and developmental manner,” she said.

Ajayi-Kayode noted that child sexual abuses were not easily detected because of challenges, which included poor interviewing skills, delays in disclosure and reporting and lack of physical and supportive evidence.

Others are crude, duplicative and fragmented ways of questioning children; use of legal, verbose language that could scare or confuse children; pleas of not guilty and appeals more common than in other offences.

On his part, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, said forensic interview was a cornerstone in the quest to deliver justice, particularly in cases involving children.

“It will also guide justice for all and exonerate the innocent,” he said.

Pedro urged all stakeholders to be committed to the process.

Also, Ladi Ajomale, Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Petition, and Human Rights at the Lagos State House of Assembly, said child protection was a responsibility and a moral obligation of society.

Ajomale, who was represented by Mrs Titilola Vivor-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), said the protocol would strengthen the multi-disciplinary, critical in preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence.

“The child forensic interview is a game changer in ensuring successful prosecution of these heinous crimes.

“This form of interview enhances the child’s ability to communicate, lessening the traumatisation that can occur during controversial questioning methods,” he said.

Also, Mrs Oyindamola James-Ododo, a Forensic Interviewer, recommended that the interview be done immediately after the abuse occurred to avoid the evidence being contaminated with threats or lack of adequate information.

Mrs Aderonke Oyelakin, State Coordinator, Child Protection Network, however, cautioned against retraumatisating the victim through repeated interrogations.

“It is important that once a child says his or her story once, that child shouldn’t be subjected to go through the process again,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Vivian Ihechu

By Justina Auta

A Non-Governmental Advocacy Group, Feminism Lab, has called for social justice and political advancement of women to ensure gender development in Nigeria’s politics.

The group,  in conjunction with Friedrich-Ebert-Stitung Nigeria,  made the call during an inter-generational dialogue to promote political gender progress and social justice on Friday in Abuja.

Leonard Oestergaard, Resident Representative, Friedrich-Ebert-Stitung Nigeria, encouraged women to demand for favourable gender principles that would promote social justice and create access to gender justice.

Oestergaard urged leaders in the feminist struggle to articulate compelling vision of inclusive governance and gender parity.

According to him, this will give women opportunities to occupy key policy-making positions, as well as access to essential service.

“Gender justice is both a question of representation in government and political spheres.  It is not only about number or percentage of women in parliament, it is more than that.

“Over the years we realised that it is not necessarily skills that are lacking in the struggle for gender development but more of the political economy that is not correct.

“For us to make impact on this journey is to create alliances, not only to work with similar people but to form an alliance or create an alliance that fights for gender and social  justice,” he said.

Austin Aigbe of West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, during the panel session,  affirmed the need for equal representation and opportunity for gender equality.

Aigbe called for reforms that would address the issue of feminism appropriately.

According to him,  each time women are empowered without creating a place for the man, it creates disaster for the future.

“This will create a situation where men will have no knowledge about the conversation on feminism,” he said.

Aigbe said there was need for  affirmative action, adding that “if there is no law in place, it will be extremely difficult to address the issue of gender equality in politics.

“But by passing a single gender and equal opportunity law, this will increase participation of women in governance and that is the way to go,” he  said.

Earlier, Vina Adams of Feminism Lab, said the dialogue brought together diverse and dynamic coalition of feminists and community leaders to discuss, understand and promote progressive feminist discourse.

Adam said the dialogue was a deliberate effort to pass down feminist skills and knowledge to the younger generation in confronting and overcoming discrimination, building resilience, and engaging in protests and activism for emancipation.

“One of the most significant aspects of this initiative is its emphasis on bridging the generational gap by bringing together feminists of all ages and backgrounds, to foster a rich environment of mutual learning and support.

“We decided to host this intergenerational dialogue to interrogate the misconception and misunderstanding of feminism, and to connect the theory and practice of feminism especially in Nigeria.

“The dialogue will lay emphasis on the importance of feminism, the history of different feminist movements, and some of the most famous types of feminism.

“Also, it will help us to understand how continued engagement with feminist theory and practice will mitigate the challenges of misconception and misunderstanding of feminism in Nigeria, ” he said. (NAN)

(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Ibironke Ariyo

Still Waters Foundation has distributed food items and clothing to over 250 vulnerable widows in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to support their efforts in catering for the family.

Speaking during the event in Abuja, the founder, Dr Femi Lanre-Oke, said that the theme of the event tagged, “Renewed hope”, was timely due to the present economic situation of the country.

Lanre-Oke said that the basis for diligently driving the foundation was derived from the passion and need to impact lives.

He emphasised the importance of food in the lives of people especially the underprivileged widows who were facing series of societal challenges and had gone through pain, discrimination and neglect.

Lanre-Oke said that the foundation was not just about helping the widows and the less privileged, but also discovering and empowering the youths to become ambassadors of peace.

“This is because the first thing about a widow was that you see a person whose joy has been taken away.

“The husband is no more and more likely to be the strength of that family. So, when you identify with people like that, you are fulfilling the covenant of God In Isaiah 58, ” he said.

According to him, when you see a widow, you see somebody whose joy was stolen, whose strength failed, and who is now alone.

“So, when you identify with that, you bring encouragement to them, you bring support to them, you are bringing strength to them. That is the major thing, “ he said.

Lanre-Oke, who is also the Lead Pastor, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International (JPEMI), urged government to identify with the windows and their children for the growth of the society.

He also urged government at all levels to make life easy and convenient for widows, adding that granting them access to soft loan for a business would go along way.

“If these widows are strengthened number one, they take care of their children.

“If they are encouraged and supported, they make provisions for them, make assistance for them, ” he said.

He reiterated the commitment of the foundation to continue to impact the lives of the less privileged people in the society and other vulnerable.

In their separate remarks, some of the widows expressed gratitude to the foundation as some were seen with smiles and relief on their faces.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that aside the food items and clothing materials donated, five widows were empowered with two hair dressing machines, two tailoring machines and one melon grinding machine.

The Foundation also promised to help the widows by paying the children’s school fees, and setup some of them with business among others in the next edition of the program.(NAN)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Sadiya Hamza

By Justina Auta

An NGO, FemPawa Africa, has urged government to remove all taxes on menstrual pad to enable women and girls buy it, especially those in rural areas.

The Founder of the organisation, Dorkong Rimdam, made the call during an outreach at Government Secondary School, Bwari in Abuja on Saturday.

Rimdam said high cost of sanitary products, especially menstrual pad, was part of the challenges affecting girls’ health and education in the country.

She added that the cost often force girls to resort to unsafe alternatives during menstruation.

She said “if we can have free condoms, why can’t we have free pads, if we have have free toilet rolls in the bathroom, so why not pads?

“Sex is an option but menstruation is not a choice, and a lot of women and girls cannot access sanitary pads.”

According to her, removing tax on sanitary pads will help to reduce the cost and enhance accessibility and affordability for women.

“A pack of 10 pieces of sanitary pad is about N700, expected to be changed at intervals and a girl can use two or three a day.

“So, a girl may require two or three packs of pad for a menstrual cycle at the cost of more than N2000. Where will she get it?

Mrs Lois Amele, the Executive Director of Good Tides Philippians Mission Foundation, emphasised the crucial role of education in promoting menstruation hygiene.

Amele said there was need to equip girls with accurate information and empower them to adopt healthy practices from young age, thereby, dispelling myths and ensuring their well-being.

Deborah Nwachukwu, the Head Girl of Government Secondary School, Bwari, thanked the NGO for the efforts.

Nwachukwu said that the educational outreach had empowered her and her peers to embrace menstruation without stigma or fear.

She stressed the importance of fostering supportive environment, where girls feel comfortable discussing menstrual health openly.

On his part, Mr Shola Orunmbe, the Vice Principal, Academics, Government Secondary School, Bwari, commended the organisation for prioritising the empowerment and well-being of girls.

Orunmbe affirmed the school’s commitment to support the efforts.

Other highlights of the day was distribution of sanitary pads and kits for reusable pads, as well as teaching the students how to make use of them. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Justina Auta

Stakeholders have called for more support and opportunities to promote inclusion and women empowerment for sustainable growth and development in the country.

They made the call at the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneur (NASME) with a theme,” Empowering Women for Sustainable Success” on Saturday in Abuja.

Dr Tope Fasua, Special Assistant to the President on Economic Affairs office of the Vice President, said women contributes to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and managing resources at the family and national level.

“Women are central to any development of any economy, traditionally and historically, women are central to development of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

“We have seen instances where our women have saved many families and it is fantastic that we have been able to co-opt this into the women wing of NASME and also recognition from the NANO aspect of the market.

“Our people are not waiting for government; they are being creative rather than getting into crime.

“So it is something we must continue to support and I will also advise in my capacity for government to give more support,” he said.

Also, Mrs Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, trade and Investment, represented by Mrs Popola Abimbola, Chief Industrial Officer, noted that limited access to finance market and support services are barriers affecting women entrepreneurs.

“Women entrepreneurs still demonstrate resilience, creativity, and determination in establishing and growing their businesses.

“We are committed to creating an enabling environment that facilitates the growth and success of women- owned SMEs.

“We recognise the importance of providing women entrepreneurs with access to affordable financing, business development services, and market opportunities to unleash their full potential,” she said.

Also, Mr Charles Odii, Director General, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) said empowering women was strategic for advancing economic development, social progress and inclusive prosperity.

Odii, represented by Regina Bamaiyi, Chief Executive Officer, said: “let us reaffirm our commitment to championing the rights and aspirations of women entrepreneurs.

“Let us work tirelessly and create a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, succeed and lead with dignity and determination.”

Dr Abdurashid Yerima, President and Chairman, NASME said the event was to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy and SMEs.

Yerima, underscored the importance of fostering an inclusive business environment, where women can achieve long-term success.

“This means addressing the challenges women entrepreneurs face such as access to finance, mentorship and market opportunities,” he said.

According to him, NASME has trained, organised networking events and partnered with financial institutions to access credit and enable women-owned businesses to thrive.

On his part, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) noted the immense contributions of women to the growth and development of the country.

Ali also emphasised on media’s role in inspiring inclusion and driving Nigeria’s economic growth and innovation.

“Virtually all media have specific airtime and pages devoted to gender issues, health, empowerment and others that will inspire growth.

“African is a very masculine, patriarchal society, where men dominate and in some cultures, women are seen as second class citizens.

“But with the help of the media, some of these narratives, where women are subjected to the background are being gradually affected and changed for the better,” he said.

Ms. Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer, Sterling One Foundation, said” “empowering women is not just an activity; it is directly linked to improvements in community health and education, which are fundamental to sustainable development.

“Women often reinvest a higher percentage of their income back into their families and communities.

“This reinvestment leads to better-educated and healthier future generations, creating a positive cycle of development.”

Other highlights of the day were panel discussions and conferment of awards to notable personalities for their immense contributions to women empowerment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

By Philip Yatai

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, says good parenting is the key to curbing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Benjamins-Laniyi stated this at a sensitisation campaign and training, organised to commemorate the 2024 World Family Day, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The events, organised by the Family Department in the Secretariat, is part of a two-day programme which included a seminar for stakeholders and a road show to sensitise Abuja residents to good parenting practices.

The mandate secretary, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Adetoye Kolawole, described family as the bedrock of any nation.

She emphasised the fundamental role of families in shaping society, which in the long run, would help to address the incidence of GBV in communities.

She stressed the need for good parenting practices that would help to nurture a positive environment for our children to grow, thrive and treat one another with dignity.

Benjamins-Laniyi identified key essential principles for effective parenting as love and care for children, listening to children, encouraging good deeds, and consistent discipline.

According to her, families should serve as role models, not only for their children but for all children in the community.

“As we celebrate World Family Day today, there is a need for us to acknowledge that the family is the bedrock of our nation.”

Also, Mrs Beatrice Mubi, Assistant Director, Persons with Disabilities Department, noted that every day, parents with disabilities navigate through everyday challenges and turn obstacles into opportunities.

“Their determination and love demonstrate that the essence of parenting is not defined by physical ability but by the depth of one’s commitment, love, and dedication to their family.

“Family is the cornerstone of our society, and within this cornerstone, parents with disabilities are shining examples of what it means to nurture, protect, and inspire our families for greatness.

“They remind us that true strength lies in our ability to love unconditionally and to rise above adversity.

“As we recognise the efforts of PWDs in good parenting, let us honor their contributions; let us support and uplift them.

“This will ensure that every family, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive,” Mubi said.

On her part, Mrs Lois Amele, a legal practitioner, pointed out that social norms and power imbalances contributed to the high prevalence of GBV in communities.

According to Amele, GBV not only harms victims physically and emotionally, but also disrupts the overall harmony and stability of the family unit.

Also, a GBV advocate, Mrs Amaka Fowora, stressed the importance of communication, mutual respect, and support systems in curbing GBV.

According to her, families must cultivate a loving and peaceful home to be able to break the cycle of violence that disrupts cohesion among family members.

Similarly, Mrs Agnes Shekwo, a social worker with Breakthrough Nigeria Initiative, an NGO, underscored the benefits of family planning.

Shekwo said that some of the benefits include improved health outcomes for mothers and children, economic stability, and enhanced quality of life. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru