From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
European Union (EU), in partnership with the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA), and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, has launched a collaborative initiative to advance gender equality and rights across states in Nigeria.
The collaborative initiative was meant to provide Commissioners of Women Affairs and their Permanent Secretaries with the technical support needed to address and tackle issues affecting women, children, and other vulnerable groups at their different locations.
Laolu Olawumi, EU’s Programme Manager on Democracy, Rule of Law and Gender, in a presentation made at the two-day conference for State Commissioners of Women Affairs and their Permanent Secretaries, in Abuja, highlighted the importance of such technical skills considering the changing dynamics in the society fastened by increased access to social media and other tools.
The EU official added: “the conference’s structure was designed to furnish Commissioners with toolkits required to effectively confront and resolve rights issues. It also serves as a knowledge-sharing forum beyond its primary role of offering technical assistance.”
Olawumi noted that EU wants to ensure that planning, budgeting, and implementation processes are inclusive. “This strategy promotes the full participation of women, children, and persons with disabilities, integrating inclusivity into governance and societal development.”
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, explained that the event was part of the recently inaugurated second phase of the EU’s support to the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) programme implemented by IIDEA and based on the achievements of its preceding phase.
She stressed the importance of the second RoLAC phase to sustain the momentum and continue EU’s efforts in supporting the Nigerian government’s objective of strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria.
“It was clear to the EU that a second phase of the RoLAC was essential to consolidate the progress and continue the commendable work done in enhancing the rule of law in Nigeria,” she said.
Imo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Nkechinyere Ugwu, in her submission, stressed the significance of the conference, stating that it’s important and provide the opportunity to come together, share experiences, and develop practicable solutions to issues of human rights and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Her Abia state counterpart, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, described the gathering as a cornerstone for her to form stronger collaborations and innovate on policies that directly impact the lives of women and children.
“It is an invaluable platform for learning and exchanging ideas that can be transformed into actionable strategies for gender equality and the empowerment of the most vulnerable in our society,” she said.