By Abimbola Joseph
CITIZENS COMPASS –Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has commended ActionAid for its support on implementation of various programmes geared towards the general well-being of Nigerian women and federal ministry of women affairs over the years.
The Minister who was represented by the Ministry’s Deputy Director, Mr Adamu Samaila, disclosed this in Lagos on Friday, during the Women’s Voice and Leadership project (WVL-N) close out event.
She said that the support was through several programmes geared towards the achievement of the mandate of the Ministry.
The minister said that ActionAid has been particularly supportive in areas of Violence Against Women and Girls, Women’s Political Participation and Governance, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Women, Peace and Security.
She said other areas are Women’s Unpaid Care Work, Commemoration of various Women’s International Programmes, Mobilizing and supportive in the passage of various gender bills currently at the National assembly, Advocacy and supportive in ensuring Nigeria’s participation at various national and international fora.
Also speaking, Secretary, Lagos state Government, Barr Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said that in the past five years WVL-N project has not only amplified the voices of countless women but has also empowered them to take on leadership roles and effect positive change in their lives and communities.
The Secretary who was represented by Mrs Aishat Yakuba, Senior Special Assistant, Cabinet Affairs said the stories of resilience, strength and triumph that have emerged from this projects are truly inspiring and commendable.
Also Speaking, Toun Sonaiya, CEO, Women Radio 91.7 said that with an investment of over N327 million for ActionAid, they have witnessed transformative change in their communities.
The CEO who was represented by Esther Alaribe, Programmes Manager of the Station, said that more than the numbers, women celebrated the stories of empowerment, the barriers broken and the voices amplified.
“We’ve worked tirelessly alongside state actors, government officials, schools, and community leaders to ensure that women and girls’ issues are at the forefront of policy-making.
“We’ve created safe spaces, implemented innovative programmes and challenged deep-seated cultural practices that hinder progress” she said.
Earlier, Andrew Mamedu, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) said Since the WVL-N project began in 2019, their mission has been unwavering: to empower women, confront entrenched harmful cultural practices, and advance gender equality.
Mamedu affirmed that with the generous support from Global Affairs Canada and the tireless efforts of four Local Women’s Rights Organizations (LWROs) and 12 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), have touched lives.
According to him, they have been able to touch the lives of 698,508 women and girls across 14 Local Government Areas and 46 communities in Lagos State.
“Our interventions have created ripples of change, impacting countless women, girls, and their families.
“From establishing safe spaces and providing legal support for survivors of gender-based violence to fostering women’s economic empowerment and leadership, the transformations we witness today are profound and heartwarming” he said.
