By Justina Auta

The UN Trust Fund in collaboration with the Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF), have partnered to offer toll free helpline to report Gender Based Violence (GBV) and improve virtual management of cases in Nigeria.

Mrs Tayo Erinle, Executive Director, TCF during the project dissemination and closeout event of the Flashlight Actions on Girls Safety (FLAGS) project on Tuesday in Abuja said the GBV helpline would assist in ending GBV and ensure justice for survivors.

“The GBV free toll helpline that were disseminated today keeps FLAGS project flying because even though FLAGS is closing out GBV has not ended.

“So to keep it flying, we have got this toll free line supported by the UNTrust Fund for people to reach us, flag up cases, set up virtual management and increase stakeholders that we have been working with.

“This will help us manage cases at one sitting to avoid re-traumatisation of the survivor and be able to proffer next steps to take,” she said.

According to her, in the past three years of the project has supported 750 girls in 10 communities within Nasarawa, Niger and the FCT.

“We have been able to build the capacity of 750 girls in 30 safe spaces in Nasarawa, Niger and FCT to prevent, respond and refer GBV cases.

“The girls are more aware, they are confident and know that anyone can be a perpetrator and know what to do and where to go if they are violated or know someone who has been violated.”

According to her, the major outcome of the project was the virtual case management, which is a girl centered multi sectoral approach to GBV.

“We have been able to meet and handle 162 cases, two are in courts, two are in shelter, some are going through psychosocial support,” she said.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria, commended TCF for the successes recorded in implementing the FLAGS project and reducing GBV in the country.

Eyong, represented by Patience Ekechukwu, Programme Officer for Women’s Economic Empowerment, noted that in spite of existing legal frameworks and policies, GBV and harmful traditional practices against women and girls still exist.

“Ending violence against women and girls that is why we are gathered here to look at issues and solutions and what we can do to ensure that women and girls in Nigeria live free from violence.

“UN Women is committed to working with government agencies, CSOs, traditional and religious organisations to prevent the violence that affects millions of women around the world.

“We all have critical role to play in ending violence against women and girls. We must speak out against harassment, violence in our work places, various religious platforms, through the media.

“We need to lend our voices to be heard to ensure that the world is free from violence against women and girls,” she said.

Other highlights of the event were the presentation of excellence awards to notable persons and communities for their supports in ensuring the success of the FLAGS project.

Others include: fireside chats with project beneficiaries and stakeholders, as well as the launch of the TCF GBV Helpline, 0800 0040 404. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Justina Auta

Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and Women for Women International have identified social and cultural norms as barriers to women’s freedom of speech and participation in democracy in Nigeria.

They made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at a roundtable on the publication of a research project titled ”Listen to Women: Identifying Barriers to Women’s Freedom of Speech and Participation in Democracy in Nigeria.”

They said that addressing these challenges would not only enhance women freedom of speech, but also enhance adequate participation in democracy.

Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Founding Director, WARDC, noted that the prevalence of sociocultural norms still affected the ability of women to participate in peace processes in their communities and states.

Akiyode-Afolabi said “Women who have information and could support peace processes are being denied the opportunity to participate in spite of the fact that the country has signed the UN security council resolution.

“The peace security architecture in the state is not allowing women and accepting women to be part of it.

“The project is called Listen to Women: Identifying the barriers Against Women’s Freedom of Speech and Participation in Democracy. It’s a project that focuses specifically on Plateau State but however has a national coverage.”

She explained that one of the recommendations of the research was for government to engender its security architecture to ensure that more women participate, especially in Plateau State, where the research was carried out.

“Plateau State has signed the Gender and Equal Opportunity bill into law, which allows for women’s equal participation, so we are calling on the government to ensure that the law becomes activated,” she said.

Also, Zainab Gbobaniyi, Advocacy Coordinator, Women for Women (WfWI) said the event was aimed at disseminating the research findings.

“The research being an evidence based and carried out in five communities in Plateau State cutting across three local governments of Jos East, Riyom and Pankshin, tells the stories directly from the women themselves,” she said.

Also, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Federal Capital Territory, (FCT),  Mandate Secretary, said the direction of the present administration was geared towards promoting the well-being of women, increasing their political participation and empowerment.

Bemjamins-Laniyi, while speaking on domestic violence and early child marriage, said “forming coalitions, working with traditional councils and working with male champions have yielded a lot of results and I think that is a very good approach.” (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Justina Auta

The First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, and some stakeholders have called for more strategies and investment in accelerating women’s progress for the development of the country.

They made the call at the 2024 Biennial Convention organised by the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convention has “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” as its theme.

Represented by Mrs Chioma Hope-Uzodinma, wife of Imo Governor, the first lady said the convention was a call to action as it underscores the vital role women play in driving progress and developments in the society.

She explained it was also an opportunity to look inwards, discuss and strategise on ways to further advance the goals of women in the country.

She added that “when we invest in women, we invest in the future of our nation. When women are given the right opportunities, they contribute effectively to economic growth, social stability and sustainable development.

“I, therefore, call on the private sector, development partners and individuals to support what government is doing and we redouble efforts in investing in women.

“As women and mothers, we must continue to preach peace, unity, love and prosperity. We must pray for our nation and encourage our children to be law abiding.

“Women must also strongly resolve to work together to support and help one another.”

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, urged women to participate in government programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and improving their economic status.

Kennedy-Ohanenye said the newly inaugurated E-market portal would unlock market barriers and enable Nigerian women to access more funding opportunities and empowerment initiatives to raise their standard.

On her part, the National President of NCWS, Mrs Lami Adamu-Lau, said “the convention is to highlight the council’s contributions toward the advancement of women’s rights in Nigeria and to emphasise the need for more investment in women.

“Women stand as pillars of strength, resilience, and innovation, yet they continue to face barriers that hinder their progress.

“This is why it is imperative that we invest in women, their education, their health, their economic empowerment, and their leadership.”

Also, Mrs Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs, said “the surest way for Nigeria to get it right is by investing more in women because women nurture the family and every development starts from the home.

“If we have better families, we will have better societies, communities and a better nation,” she said.

Dr Goodness Chidi, the Programme Manager, Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), also stressed the need to invest in women to achieve optimal nutrition security for citizens.

Former NCWS National President, Mrs Ekemi Okemini, urged the government to implement the 35 per cent affirmative action to enable women to participate in both elective and appointed government positions.

NAN reports that other events of the day were the conferment of awards to 30 notable Nigerians for their support toward women’s progress, addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV), among others.

Some award recipients include the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Mr Boss Mustapha, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and some state governor’s wives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Aderogba George

FAB Treasure Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has advocated access to menstrual health and hygiene education for women and girls in rural communities.

Miss Festus Abigail, the Executive Director of the foundation made the call on Monday, at Kuchingoro Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Abuja during a sensitisation and empowerment programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme with the theme, “Embracing Sustainable Solutions for Menstrual Hygiene’’ is supported by ActionAid Nigeria.

Abigail said access to menstrual hygiene products is crucial to healthy living, well-being, and dignity of all women and girls in the society.

“The Kuchingoro IDP camp is a home to displaced persons as well as vulnerable populations (women and girls) facing significant challenges in several areas including poverty and poor access to menstrual hygiene.

“Our aim of visiting the camp is to educate the people on menstrual health and hygiene, emphasising the significance of adopting proper menstrual care practices.

“We are also carrying out this task to dispel myths and stigmas associated with menstruation,’’ she said

Abigael added: “I firmly believe that, empowering women to take charge of their menstrual health is not just essential, but transformative.

“When women have the tools and knowledge to manage their menstruation confidently and hygienically, they gain a sense of empowerment and dignity that transcend beyond their physical well-being.

“We envision a world where young women and girls are well-guided, inspired, educated, and empowered’’.

She said her foundation had introduced to the people, the concept of reusable sanitary pads as a sustainable and cost-effective solution to combat period poverty.

NAN reports that some women shared their menstrual experiences and the challenges faced in accessing products in helping them to maintain hygiene.

Mrs Hannatu Isah, one of the women in the camp, said that most of the women there barely think about buying sanitary pads for themselves or their daughters because of the current economic hardship.

The women showed eagerness to learn and gain valuable insights that would empower them to better manage their periods.

They expressed gratitude to the NGO for providing free reusable sanitary pads which, according to them, would serve for the next one year, if properly maintained.

NAN reports that Miss Emoregan-Lucy Ogheneruru, a Community Health Practitioner taught the women, step by step guidance on how to maintain hygiene and the risk associated with poor menstrual hygiene practices. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Justina Auta

Civitas Auxillium Foundation (CAF), a non-governmental organisation has partnered with First Bank of Nigeria Plc to promote financial inclusion initiatives for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Mrs Elizabeth Duile, Chief Operations Officer and Founder of CAF, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

Duile said through the partnership, the foundation successfully established savings accounts for 80 women residing in the IDP camp located in Wassa District of the FCT.

She highlighted the challenges faced by these women, many of whom had lost crucial documents such as identity cards and National Identification Numbers (NIN).

This she said, hindered their ability to access banking services, obtain loans, and achieve financial inclusion.

According to her, the initiative, known as the CAF-Women Empowerment Programme (CAF-WEP), seeks to combat poverty and empower displaced women through skill-building, financial access, and interest-free loans.

“These efforts are geared towards ensuring that they are economically empowered and can grow their small businesses to skills under our CAF-WEP programme.

“CAF has made strides in empowering women through the CAFWEP interest-free loan program.

“The loans have helped them to start or expand small businesses such as buying and selling of foodstuff, catering, mini marts and farming,” she said.

She said that the challenge of having to pay the women in cash or third party bank accounts necessitated the  initiative.

“This affects accountability and tracking of disbursed funds.

“It also excluded some women who could not present bank accounts to their customers when asked, especially on their weekly market days.

“So we took a genuine step towards financial inclusion.

“By forging a partnership with FBN,  over 80 women were empowered; these are women that never had the experience and security of a bank account or bank verification numbers (BVN),” she said.

She reiterated the commitment of the foundation to tackling poverty, gender inequality affecting women, especially those who are victims of violent conflicts and acts of terrorism.

“One can only imagine the reality of owning a business in modern times without certain financial tools such as bank accounts.

”This has deprived some customers from making purchases from these women.

“A good number of persons go to the market to make purchases and the only tool they go with is an ATM card, this automatically excludes a category of traders.

“Through these businesses, they make a living and support their families, ensure their children receive education, and contribute to the economy, ’she said.

Duile said that the foundation was also involved in providing support for less privileged children, especially those in the IDPs camps to access quality education.

According to her, this will enable them to explore their potentials and achieve their dreams for the benefit of the nation.

“We need to support these vulnerable children who have been victims of violent conflicts across Nigeria, and most of them reside in the IDP camps.

The “CAF-Kit a child School Outreach Programme’’ provided desk-chairs, books and writing materials to some schools around IDP camps, ” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Joseph Edeh

By Justina Auta

An NGO, Trueneed Stage Empowerment Foundation (TSEMF), says it has empowered more than 80 female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and grassroots women on how to promote gender equity and inclusion.

The Founder of the organisation, Olasupo Austin, made this known during the empowerment event in Abuja on Thursday, saying it was part of the group’s 2024 advocacy programme with the theme “Radiant Resilience: Every Woman’s Journey.”

Austin said the programme was to alleviate poverty, improve the quality of life of vulnerable and less privileged persons, as well as promote women inclusion in socio-economic and leadership positions.

He added that “after the programme, we want them to become advocates and we need them to realise that there is nothing they want to achieve that they cannot do.

“We want to see them at the forefront, making impactful changes because when you empower a woman, you empower the whole nation.

“We are here to get to the grassroots and also bring them to the fore so that the government can see them, and their voices heard.”

Sophia Adeosun, the Project Officer, Innovation Empathy and Movement for Gender Justice (INEMO Foundation), said the exercise would empower women with skills that would enable them to excel in all areas.

Adeosun said “women and girls lag behind in our society due to certain factors, which can be addressed.

“So, we believe that with women empowerment and girl-child education, we will be able to address them and provide them with opportunities to participate and contribute to the growth and development of the country.”

Dr Oshadare Victor, the Financial and Security Consultant, urged women to key into business opportunities that would empower them and enable them to access funds that would make them at par with others.

She said “you need to look for alternatives and earn for yourself from little things you are doing and start small and grow the business.

“When you grow a business to a point, banks may even be willing to give you additional funding to expand it.”

Mrs Patience Okolo-Dickson, the Founder/Executive Director, Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), stressed the need to invest and encourage girl-child education to harness their potential and reduce inequalities.

Okolo-Dickson said there are challenges hindering the growth, development and utilisation of the potential of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and called for support and attitudinal change toward addressing them.

Ms Mainmuna Sani Magaji, a Youth Development Professional, called for mentorship and skill building to advance women in leadership positions.

Also, Ms Oluwatosin Folajimi, a youth corp member, said the capacity building has equipped her with investment skills that will generate income for her, rather than rely on government job opportunities.(NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu