The assembly, the 5th in the struggle for the amplification of the voice of the Niger Delta women to highlight challenges from decades of environmental degradation and harsh condition from climate change from fossil fuel activities in their communities, drew over 150 participants across Niger delta communities and delegations from OXFAM NOVID Nigeria, and representative from Ghana, including government officials from Akwa-Ibom, the host state.
Discussions centred around two key presentations-Building a Feminist Economy and the Green/Blue economy which, highlighted the absence of women’s needs and challenges in activities arising from policy planning and implementation.
It decried deepened poverty and health challenges unleashed on Niger Delta women as land degradation and climate change including, perennial flooding, have made their traditional livelihood occupations of fishing and farming, too unproductive to sustain living, thus, threatening family control and exposing the youth to danger.
It observed that though women constitute the larger population of farmers, they lack access to land ownership and resources to invest in smart agriculture for better result to address existing challenges, and stressed that a nation can only be healthy if the women are healthy.
The low voices of women in governance from family, community to state and national level, was also considered a major obstacle to attempts by concerned groups and activists, to bridge the gap identified between men and women in economic matters.
It was further observed that the presence of very few women in political decision making leaves those so placed, too weak to make significant impacts on policy issues around women
Women and chiefs from host communities also narrated the impact of oil in their areas, listing, loss of land, displacement, conflicts, and destroyed livelihoods leading to crippling poverty.
Others include, threat to health and shelter from uncontrolled gas flare and incessant flood without ameliorating support from government or the oil operators.
The Petroleum Industry Act, PIA introduced by the federal government to regulate oil and gas operation in the county recently, was descried as a ploy by the government to take away the little existing gains from extractive operation available to host communities, to the lessors (operators) with the revelation that from the records of NOSDRA, the agency mandated to manage oil spills in the country, only a few oil spill incidents have been linked to equipment failure, while the higher incidents emanate from third party activities (sabotage).
The assemble observed that holding third party liable for spills will rob Niger Delta host communities of the three per cent 3% host Community Fund in the PIA.
The assembly further observed that beyond oil and gas environmental degradation, human activities also grossly degrade the ecosystem and this requires attitudinal change to save the earth and man.
It was also observed that climate change is now real and the forecast for the Niger Dela in the next 10-20 years is bleak and thus, demands the adaptation of new and innovative measures to ensure survival and reduce the continued loss and the creepy poverty that inflicts on the people.
Suggestions were made on measures to aid ecosystem restoration including continuous skill acquisition for alternative livelihood sources to support the dwindling economy in the community.
The failure of state and local governments to sensitize the people on climate change and effectively plan mitigation measures was also highlighted, while a gap between elite women and grass-root was also noted with a call on the former to take up the role of guarding grass-root women.
Education as a key tool to lift women out of poverty, and the adoption of digital knowledge for Niger Deltans especially, the youth, was stressed to ensure the region is not left behind in global development.
Kebetkache, the event host, restated its commitment to bring back the Niger Delta environment stressing that the organization will not relent until Niger Delta women’s voices are heard by all and, their needs are met, so that there will be equitable distribution of resources for all in a clean and healthy environment.
OXFAM, a key kebetkache funder, while commending Kebetkache for organizing the Niger Delta Women’s Day of Action and her stride in the last 20 years of working with women, stated its commitment to supporting the organization to improve the lot of women in the region, while another funder, Grass root Environmental Fund (GEF), called for proposals for Niger Delta civic organizations to address issues on biodiversity, environmental degradation and climate change in the region.
After serious deliberations, the Women’s Day of Action assembly declared as follows:
• That ecosystem restoration goes beyond tree planting to include reshaping the food system, safe-guarding community rights and championing women as leaders to achieve a gender just climate, and so, there should be increased resources directed at reducing the vulnerability of women.
• That Government at local, state and federal levels should respect, domesticate and effectively implement the Gender Climate Action Plan to address the damaging effect of climate change on the economy of Niger Delta women.
• That the needs and challenges of women should be intentionally integrated into government policies in education, agriculture, health, finance, commerce, etc.
• That funding opportunities and education on modern /smart agriculture should be put in place for women by the ministries of Environment and Agriculture
• That Niger Delta governors should develop a unified flood mitigation programme and demand special support from the federal government as oil producing states.
• That Niger Delta should adopt a more environment friendly approach and the attitude of keeping the drains free from waste and waterways free from plastics.
• That government should develop integrated waste disposal implementable polices,
• That since flooding is now a way of life, women should adapt smarter response mechanisms to tackle flood impact.
• That attention should be paid to the mental and other health challenges of women in the region.
• That more skill acquisition on alternative livelihood sources should be set up for women in the Niger Delta to reduce poverty and improve lives.
Pics
1. The women saying no to continued degradation of their environment
2. The OXFAM delegation from Abuja led by the Country Director Comrade Tijani Ahmed flanked by Mr Henry Ushie and Precious. Standing behind them is a delegate from Ghana.
