Int’l Women’s Day: ActionAid, GPD Tasks Government To Provide More Security For Women, Girls
By: Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
http://www.newsportng.com.ng ActionAid Nigeria with funding from Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) through her System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalisation to Violent Extremism (SARVE III) project, in partnership with Global Peace Development (GPD) in Kaduna state and Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has called on government at all levels to provide more security for women, girls and children.
This is as the Civil Society Organizations while commemorating the 2024 International Women’s Day in Kaduna state on Friday, lamented the recent abduction of over 250 pupils from Kaduna school on Thursday morning.
Speaking on the theme of the 2024 International Women’s Day in Marmara Damishi, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, the Executive Director, Global Peace Development, (GPD) Mr. Esike Ebruke said women play a crucial role in the society and are often the first line of defense against radicalization and violent extremism.
Esike said, “I am sad because of the abduction of 287 pupils and teachers in Chikun yesterday by Armed Bandits, and for the pains both the abductees and their families are experiencing.
“I am honoured because I am able to join my voice to urge civil society across the World and in Nigeria to constructively engage the government to increase security for the citizenry, and particularly, women and girls, and by extension, children.
“Global Peace Development in Partnership with ActionAid Nigeria has been the driving force in empowering women for almost three years in Kaduna State through the implementation of the “System and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalization to Violent Extremism” (SARVE III) project funded by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF).
“Research had shown that when women are included in decision-making processes and have access to resources and opportunities, they are more likely to contribute to peace and security in their communities.
“So far, the Community Action Response Team (CARTs) and Women Safe Space platform, which were established through the project, have encouraged women to make positive decisions in their various communities, empowered them with skills- tailoring, cattle rearing, soap making, bead making, and pig rearing which is part of providing them financial independence.
“Therefore, it is essential that we prioritize the empowerment of women and girls in our efforts to prevent violent extremism. This means providing them with education, economic opportunities, and access to healthcare, as well as ensuring their participation at all levels of decision-making.
“Equally, I subtly request the government to redouble their effort and strategy to rescue the 287 pupils and teachers abducted in Chikun LGA on March 7,2024.”
In her presentation, the Deputy Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Hajiya Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo remarked that the theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued, empowered and respected.
Hajiya Suwaiba, who was represented by the Impact Assessment and Shared Learning Manager, ActionAid Nigeria, Amina Aliyu Adamu, stressed that the theme will encourage everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life.
In her words, “The public and private sectors must partner and come up with lasting solutions to addressing the gender gap in socio-economic empowerment requires comprehensive strategies that address systemic inequalities, promote women’s rights, and empower women economically, socially, and politically.
“This includes implementing policies and programs that promote girls’ education, ensure equal employment opportunities, provide access to financial services and resources, increase women’s representation in decision-making processes, and combat gender-based violence.
“Women make enormous contributions to economies, whether in businesses, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or by doing unpaid care work at home. But they also remain disproportionately affected by poverty, discrimination, and exploitation.
“So, I charge you to make this world a better place for women. let’s respect and appreciate the women in our lives every day and inspire them for greater future achievements. As they can contribute equally to the home, society, and nation.
“It is also worthy of note to highlight that over the past twenty months with funding from Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, (GCERF) under Systems and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE III) we handed over three vocational skills equipment worth N 50,000,000 (53.333 USD) to 300 youth and women in Kaduna State.
“The beneficiaries were trained across 4 vocational skills namely: Tailoring, Poultry, Cattle Breeding and Piggery from 12 communities in 6 local government areas which are Chikun, Igabi, Kudan, Zaria, Kachia and Jema’a. We are thrilled to report that 8,280 direct beneficiaries have been sensitized to foster peaceful coexistence and diversity in their communities. The project has led to the establishment of 12 women safe spaces, mentoring women on leadership and Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE).
“Furthermore, 12 Community Action and Response Teams (CARTs) have been formed to enhance early warning capabilities, along with 6 Local Conflict Management Alliance (LOCMA) and 24 peace clubs, all of which are instrumental in fostering peace and harmony. Just to mention but a few of our results.” She added.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the event, the Head of Salama Cooperative in Marmara Damishi community, Mrs. Ruth Danjuma disclosed that ActionAid Nigeria and Global Peace Development has trained and empower them in various skills acquisition, urged them not to relent in their quest to alleviate their plights.
Mrs. Ruth who noted that their women are business oriented, called on government and Non Governmental Organizations, (NGOs) to prioritized women in their economic and livelihood support for their self reliance.
Int’l Women’s Day: ActionAid, GPD Tasks Government To Provide More Security For Women, Girls
