The Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Ijeoma Aghukwa, has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners to effectively tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promote the empowerment of women and girls across the state.
Dr. Aghukwa made the call when the Women Information Network (WINET) paid an advocacy visit to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs as part of the implementation of its project, “Strengthening Women Rights Organizations for Gender-Based Violence Prevention.”
Receiving the WINET delegation in her office, the commissioner stressed that ending Gender-Based Violence and advancing women’s rights require sustained collaboration and collective action from all stakeholders.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting programmes and initiatives that promote the protection, empowerment, and socio-economic advancement of women throughout the state.
Dr. Aghukwa noted that the administration of Alex Otti, through the Office of the First Lady, has continued to prioritise women’s development and inclusion, recognising the vital role women play in driving societal growth.
She further disclosed that the state government, working with development partners, has been implementing various empowerment initiatives aimed at improving women’s livelihoods and strengthening their economic independence.
Highlighting ongoing interventions supported through collaboration between the World Bank and the Abia State Government, the commissioner said efforts are underway to expand the programmes to reach more beneficiaries across the state.
She also cited the achievements of the Ahia Oma Market Women Initiative, through which women from different local government areas have benefited from training and business support schemes.
According to her, participants received empowerment materials, including umbrellas and aprons, to enhance their entrepreneurial activities and improve their sources of income.
Commending WINET for its advocacy, Dr. Aghukwa described the organisation’s intervention as timely and significant in the collective effort to prevent and respond to Gender-Based Violence. She assured the delegation of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives that safeguard the rights and welfare of women and girls.
Earlier, the WINET team presented details of its “Strengthening Women Rights Organizations for Gender-Based Violence Prevention” project, which is supported by the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement (AIPLA).
The organisation explained that the project is designed to strengthen coordination among stakeholders to improve the prevention of and response to Gender-Based Violence.
WINET reaffirmed its commitment to building strategic partnerships with government institutions and other stakeholders to promote gender equality, combat violence against women and girls, and foster safer communities.
According to the organisation, the advocacy visit is part of its ongoing efforts to mobilise support for stronger policies, programmes, and institutional responses aimed at ending Gender-Based Violence in Abia State.
