From Paul Orude, Bauchi
The Nigeria Governors Wives Forum (NGWF) has pledged its commitment to work with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) to end Sexual and Gender- Based Violence (SGBV) in country..
The pledge was contained in a communique issued at the end of its quarterly meeting held in Bauchi on Tuesday, November 7.
The meeting saw the First Ladies endorsing the joint compact on ending SGBV and harmful cultural practices against women and girls in a joint collaboration with UNICEF.
The Forum is to organise a workshop on Sexual and Gender-based violence in partnership with UN Women on the 9 and 10th of November 2023, the communique disclosed.
According to the communique, the third annual retreat in Bauchi provided a platform for members to deliberate on the NCWF’s workplan for 2024
It also resolved to change the name of the Forum from the “Nigeria Governors Wives’ Forum” (NIGWF) to the “Nigeria Governors Spouses’ Forum” (NGSE).
“This change underscores the active role the First Ladies play in advocating for increased women’s representation in leadership positions,’ the communique stated
“This retreat also served as an avenue for members to fraternise and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse states within our great nation,” it stated.
The event brought together Governors wives from various states across Nigeria in unity collaboration, and progress in the service of their states and the nation as a whole, it disclosed.
It stated that the First Ladies reiterated their commitment to intensify advocacy and awareness regarding the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.
“They will collaborate closely with primary health workers and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure this comprehensive awareness campaign effectively addresses the resistance being encountered at the grassroots level,” the communique stated.
It observed the successful and wide-reach mobilisation and engagement of the First Ladies in the World Breastfeeding Week sensitisation, hand washing awareness, Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) sensitisation among others in various states.
It added that the First Ladies had collectively endorsed the Women Digital Upskilling program in partnership with the Labour Business School and Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC)
“This initiative is designed to have the First ladies sponsor girls and women from their respective states for digital training, with the goal of reducing the gender gap in the digital industry and ensuring that women can benefit from this significant sector,” it explained.
“In collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA, the Forum will facilitate a capacity-building program focused on drug abuse prevention and mitigation.
“These initiatives are designed to equip the First Ladies with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively engage and advocate for these critical social issues within their respective states to drive change”