By Justina Auta, ABUJA
An NGO, Young Mom’s Support Initiative and some traditional leaders have tasked Nigeria’s incoming administration to focus on women inclusion and empowerment for promotion of peace, unity and national development.
“Women inclusion is important and I appeal to the incoming government to include as many women as possible in the cabinets and other appointive positions that will aide in addressing challenges affecting women,” said Founder and CEO of the initiative, Dr Vivian Sonny-Nsirim, made the call at a symposium in Abuja on the development of African Women, and the Public Presentation of the book” Diary of an African Woman (Exploring the high and lows of womanhood).
Sonny-Nsirim, said proceeds from the book launch would be used to establish an skills acquisition centre for less privileged women as a means of empowering and reducing the prevalence of violence in the society.
She added that her organisation would continue to partner traditional leaders to discourage early marriage and other harmful traditional practices, as well as encourage the girl-child education.
“We will continue to campaign, go to the royal majesty, which will cascade down to the grassroots, which is where all these problems are coming from.
”We will continue to talk with them and the women at the grassroots level to change the perception of early marriage, others.”
The Guest Speaker, Prof. Casmiar Obialom, who described women as vanguards of peace, unity and security in the country, said the book would enlighten the public on the need to empower women and strategies to address Gender Based Violence (GBV), harmful traditional practices, and poor political participation, among others.
”Let us drive home the significance of women empowerment in addressing numerous economic challenges.
”The empowerment of Nigerian women through different requisite skills and start-up tools will contribute to reducing the level of poverty and help women unleash their potentials.
“The entrepreneurial skills of women would enable them do more for their families, households and the nation,” she said.
On his part, Dr Ahmed Abdullahi, Yakanaje of Uke, Karu Local Government Area of Nassarawa state urged women to continue to promote peace and unity in the country.
According to him, the conferment of the traditional title, “Madubiyar Uke” was in recognition of the Dr Sonny-Nsirim’s dedication, passion and qualities, which had improved peaceful coexistence in the state.
Similarly, Dr igwe Ochendu, Ezedigbo of Karu, while conferring the traditional title of Ugo Chinyere one of Igbo nation, urged women to continue to advocate for peace, unity and development in the country.
” We must embrace peace and unity of our beloved country.
” When there is peace and unity in the family, it will be reflected in the society,” he said.
Source: NAN
