CSO takes end “Violence Against Women, girl campaign” to Enugu towns

A Civil Society Organization (CSO), New-Life Community Care Initiative (NELCCI), on Saturday took their end “Violence Against Women and girls” to Enugu community.

The Executive Director of NELCCI, Florence Ifeanyi-Aneke, while addressing women of Umabi community in Udi Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, said the campaign is in commemoration of 2022 16 Days of Activism, tagged “Ending Violence against Women and Girls.”

Ifeanyi-Aneke told them that the 16 days activism was to end violence against women and girls as well as reduce harmful practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation.

“So, as part of the efforts to combat violence against women and girls, NELCCI has joined the whole world to celebrate the 2022 16 Days of Activism,” she said.

She noted that sexual and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) not only undermines the safety, dignity, overall health and human rights of the abused, but also affects public health, socio-economic well-being and security of communities.

She added that the unemployment of women and unequal opportunities in the places of work cause great problems around the world, because true potential is left from being harnessed.

“Women empowerment is essential today because earlier, women were not allowed to receive higher education, the society was backward and the times were different.

“But now, the times have changed. Women take up the same responsibilities as men and do a wonderful job in showcasing their talents when given an opportunity.

“It is necessary that they are given a chance to compete on the same level with men. Focus on women is necessary given that women are a majority among economically-disadvantaged groups,” Ifeanyi-Aneke observed.

The executive director, however, said NELCCI prioritises support for women’s economic empowerment, as part of its overall development programming to ensure that adequate and proper attention is given to women to boost their lives.

As a result of this, a two-day skills acquisition programme was organised for the women from Umuabi community on liquid and solid soap making.

“It our hope that the empowerment will stimulate the confidence in women by providing them everything that will help to identify the skills they have, but were dormant within them.

“The empowerment will help boost their economic strength,” she stated.

Ifeanyi-Aneke added that the skills acquisition programme was organised by NELCCI in partnership with Action Aid Nigeria with funding from Global Affairs Canada under the Women Voice and Leadership Programme. (NAN)