IMO FIRST LADY CALLS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN

The wife of the governor of Imo State, Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha has harped on the need for government at all levels to protect and promote the right of women

Nneoma Nkechi Rochas stated this at the occasion marking the 2013 International Women’s Day with the theme, “The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum” organized by the Center for Women, Gender and Development Studies of the Federal University of Owerri, Imo State at the Theater Hall of the School

The Governor’s wife noted that though a lot has been achieved in the areas of reorientation, sensitization, educational and political empowerment and initiation of bills and laws that protect the rights and welfare of women, yet she decried of some cases of rape and other domestic violence against women

She advised women not to be confrontational as helpers in order to achieve total mainstreaming with their male counterparts

       

The Imo first lady made it clear that the rescue adminstration of Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha as a gender sensitive and friendly government has approved programmes and activities that seek to improve the welfare of Imo women.

She  said that through her WODDI monthly prayers she has impacted positively on women, and established Skill Acquisition / Mini Cottage Industry in the ten federal constituencies in the State; and also, with the She Needs A Roof Project (SNARP) indigent widows living in shanties are now proud owners of well furnished two bedroom bungalows

Speaking at the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Cyril Asiabaka said his administration being a gender friendly one has empowered more women into participation in the University administration such that women have the highest number of Heads of Department, and Directors.

In her address, the Director of the Center and organizer of the programme, Dr. Ihuoma Asiabaka noted that despite the efforts in the Third Millennium Development Goal, yet, achieving gender equality has received bottle necks with the various forms of discrimination and violence against women, rape, and domestic violence, etc.

In a keynote address with the title, “The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum, Prof. Charity Angya of the Benue state University, Markudi examined the gains made over time in achieving gender equality and the ways in which progress can be made and recommended that the adoption of affirmation action can be reinforced through legislation.

The lead paper presenter at the occasion, Prof. NC Nwaezeaku, in a paper titled, “Gender Entrepreneurship and National Development observed that there is gender imbalance and disparity in the major activities of Nigeria’s economic life, coupled with constitution which is gender unfriendly and recommended government, institutions, and agencies to institute programmes of gender balancing in all activities of Nigeria public, cultural and economic life.

The occasion featured presentation of award to women who have excelled in different fields of endeavours and the donation of wheel chairs to about twenty disabled people in the State,