Chinedum Treasure
Women Information Network (WINET) has called for strengthening and sustenance of inclusive and well-coordinated women’s movement in Nigeria capable of advocating for gender equality, social justice, economic and political empowerment.
Executive Director, Mrs Miriam Menkiti stated this in Awka, Anambra state at a one-day capacity building training for leaders of women rights organizations based in the state.
The training, titled, “Strengthening Women’s Rights Organizations in Nigeria for Gender Based Violence (GBV) Prevention” is being supported by Amandla Institute for Policy and leadership Advancement.
The project, being implemented by AMANDLA in the six geo-political Zones in the country with WINET working in the five South East States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States is geared towards Strengthening Women’s Movements in Nigeria (SWMN).
According to Menkiti, the goal of the project is to strengthen and sustain an inclusive, well-coordinated and impactful women’s movement in Nigeria that effectively advocates for gender equality, social justice, economic and political empowerment.
She said, “We set out on this project to work with Women’s Rights Organizations in achieving the goal.
“Several of them here were part of our team that engaged in advocacy visits to some government officials here in the State to inform them about this project and seek their partnership.
“Today, we have brought together leaders of Women’s Rights Organizations in Anambra to build their capacity and skills in Movement building for Gender Based Violence Prevention, and learn about Feminism and Intergenerational Leadership.
“We’re here to teach them on how to work in groups as team towards ending GBV and tackling other issues of concern to them.
“They also need to speak with one voice to draw attention of government and the society to their plight to ensure they are addressed.”
Recalling the case of Aba women riot with it attendant positive results, especially in the area of taxation, Menkiti attributed the feat to the women’s ability to mobilize even without mobile phones, said such experience could be replicated when women work together as groups.
“For example is the reserve seat bill being clamoured by women as a result of their absence from the corridors of power over the years.With their demands for concession, women will no longer be caged, but compete favourably with their male counterparts,” she added.
The ED further revealed that 25 participants benefited from the exercise, adding that her team would move over to Imo and Abia having covered Enugu and Ebonyi states respectively.
She appreciated the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Esther Chinyere Onyekesi as well as Amandla Institute for Policy and leadership Advancement for their various supports to the project.
Other resource persons at the training were WINET Program Manager, Ijeomah Obinna Onwuka and Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Chinelo Dim who handled topics namely, “Feminist Leadership for the 21st Century” and “Values of Feminist Leadership” respectively.
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