Wondering how local governments can effectively tackle gender inequality and promote women’s empowerment?
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has set a shining example with his innovative empowerment programmes.
Global Affairs Canada Endorses Mbah’s Efforts
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has recognised and commended Governor Mbah’s empowerment initiatives aimed at improving women’s standard of living and protecting them from gender-based violence. Djifa Ahado, GAC’s Head of Development Cooperation, praised the impactful programmes during a visit to the Government House in Enugu.
ActionAid Nigeria Joins in the Commendation
ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, also lauded the strong collaboration between the state government and ActionAid in advancing gender equality. He highlighted the significant achievements of their joint projects, particularly the Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (WVL-N) initiative.
Why These Programmes Matter
Why are these initiatives so crucial?
- Addressing Gender-Based Violence: GAC and ActionAid work with 15 implementing partners to tackle gender-based violence, provide peer education to eliminate gender mutilation, and enhance women’s political participation.
- Economic Empowerment: These programmes focus on empowering women economically, enabling them to become financially independent and contribute to their communities.
- Investment and Impact: GAC has invested over N261 million in grants, impacting more than a million beneficiaries.
Challenges and the Call for More Collaboration
Despite the successes, challenges remain:
- Rising Violence: There is an alarming increase in violence against women.
- Limited Support: Initiatives for gender equality often lack sufficient support and funding.
- Resource Constraints: More resources are needed to bolster the women’s rights movement.
Governor Mbah’s Commitment
Governor Mbah’s administration is committed to zero tolerance for gender-based violence. He emphasised this by mentioning recent arrests and prosecutions of offenders. Moreover, the state’s new ranching law aims to ensure the safety of farmers, reflecting the administration’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
Promoting Health and Reducing Mortality
In addition to fighting gender-based violence, Governor Mbah has taken steps to reduce maternal and child mortality by strengthening the primary healthcare system.
Conclusion
Governor Peter Mbah’s empowerment programmes in Enugu State are a beacon of hope for gender equality and women’s rights. With endorsements from Global Affairs Canada and ActionAid Nigeria, these initiatives highlight the power of collaboration and sustained investment in women’s empowerment.
Photo credit: DCE
