Ese Usamali Foundation For Rural Development (EUFORDe), a CAC- registered Non Governmental Organization headquartered in Ahoada East LGA, with the vision to integrate the Rights and capacities of the underpriviledged, in the socio-economic planning and development of communities, held a one day sensitization forum for women in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The program, which was supported by the Ahoada East Local Government Council, Habitat Protection and Sustainable Development Initiative, Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Center, with media support from Port Harcourt Mundial and National Point Newspapers, was implemented to commemorate the 16 Days Activism, World Human Rights Day and other areas such as Environmental/Climate Crisis that affect women, including women with disabilities.
Women from 25 communities in Ahoada East LGA participated in the programme and were sensitized on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, Power Relations and Power Alternatives, and Building a Feminist Economy for Eco-system Restoration. These according to the organizers are aimed at enhancing their awareness on livelihood improvement and responses, mitigation/adaptation to climate and other crises they face.
The women were also sensitized on the use of their voices to foster positive change for community development.
They were informed that they have a role to play in their varied spaces and therefore, it is expedient that they project their relevance and take deliberate steps to foster the change they want. They were also empowered on smart agriculture and given some health tips to promote healthy living and combat stress.
At the close of day, the women demanded a strengthening of policies that promote and protect women’s right at grassroot levels, education and empowerment programmes, employment and support for their businesses and welfare.
They called for immediate support to send their children who are out of school back to school, livelihood support should be made for families affected by the 2022 floods, as some are still living in dilapidated houses, especially the widows, mitigation on issues of abuse, rape, brutally of women and inclusion in decision making processes/planning especially in areas that affect them, like the prevalent flooding issues ravaging our communities.
Ese Usamali Foundation For Rural Development (EUFORDe), used the opportunity to call on community leaders, local, state and the Federal Government, to give attention to the voices of grassroot women.
