The South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), through its Sister Guardian Initiative, has enlightened women in three communities in South-East on causes and effects of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
SSDO, a non-governmental organization (NGO), carried out the enlightenment within Omor community in Ayamelu council area (in Anambra State) as well as Ibutenze community in Udi council area and Awha Ndiagu community in Ezeagu council area, both in Enugu State.
Speaking at the Mothers’ Congress, popularly known as August Meeting, in Awha Ndiagu community on Monday, SSDO Gender and Protection Programme Lead, Mrs Blessing Uchendu, said that the GBV enlightenment would enable women stand up for their rights.
“To show solidarity in supporting the roles women play in family and community development, SSDO through its Sister Guardian Initiative project, engaged in enlightenment in three communities to commemorate this year’s Congress (Meeting), which spanned into September.
“We have built the capacity of women in this community on causes and effects of domestic violence against women and girls, how to report it, where to report it and how to follow it up.
“SSDO is using the congress (meeting) as a medium to create and intensify awareness of women’s rights for them to take advantage of existing laws.
“Other pressing issues discussed during the capacity-building programme included economic empowerment, political inclusion for women, female genital mutilation and community advocacy on issues that bring progress, unity and peace,” she said.
She said that the team also sensitised the women on how to leverage on Jacob’s Well credit facility platform of the SSDO’s Sister Guardian Initiative to grow their businesses within their rural communities.
Responding, one of the women leaders in Awha Ndiagu community, Mrs Nonye Aniagu, appreciated the SSDO for the enlightenment and offer to help women when they have GBV issues.
“We have gained much enlightenment as well as assurance of strong support for our personal, socio-economic and political welfare, which will have impact on our families and entire community,” Aniagu said.
The Mothers’ Congress, popularly known as August Meeting in Igbo land, is a time when Igbo women from the cities and Diaspora return to their rural communities to lend helping hands to their communities.
They usually embark on projects to improve welfare, healthcare, peace-building and education among members of the community. (NAN)
