By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to protecting women and children, calling for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations and community stakeholders to address challenges confronting vulnerable persons.
Onyekesi made the call when she received the State Coordinator of 50-50 Action Women, Mrs Ugochi Ehiahunike, and her team during a working engagement in her office on October 5, stressing that addressing issues affecting women and children required collective efforts from all stakeholders.
The commissioner commended 50-50 Action Women for its advocacy and commitment to gender equality, noting that the ministry could not effectively tackle the challenges alone and needed the support, expertise and grassroots reach of relevant organisations.
Onyekesi assured the delegation of her support and willingness to explore areas of collaboration, stressing that issues concerning women remained a priority of the state government and the First Lady, Dr (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo.
Earlier, Ehiahunike said the engagement was aimed at strengthening coordination between the ministry and organisations working on gender-related issues, particularly gender-based violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, survivor support, safe spaces, community mobilisation and referral systems.
She explained that 50-50 Action Women was advocating parity, fairness, equal rights, equal justice and equal power, stressing that fairness should not be regarded as a favour but as a fundamental principle of an equitable society.
The state coordinator called for improved coordination among government agencies, NGOs, development partners, community groups and other stakeholders involved in the fight against gender-based violence, noting that effective networking would strengthen referral systems and improve support for survivors.
She also highlighted the need for safe spaces, survivor support and assistance for witnesses, noting that financial and other challenges sometimes discourage survivors and witnesses from pursuing cases.
Ehiahunike, who disclosed that the programme was supported by Women Aid Collective (WACOL), said the organisation had deliberately incorporated women leaders and market women into its structure because of the gender-related challenges experienced in communities and markets across the State.
She further advocated effective implementation of policies promoting women’s rights, including access to land and property, as well as sustained community mobilisation to advance gender equality.
The State Coordinator was accompanied by Mrs Oby Odezuluigbo, Coordinator, Awka Women PG and 50-50 Awka North; Mrs Ifenyinwa Ofordile, WACOL Lawyer and Programme Officer, Anambra Office; and Mrs Favour Nworah, Coordinator, Awka Women Wing.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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