The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS),Abia State branch,has risen from its two day summit organized in Abia to condemn gender inequality,violence,and discrimination against women.
The pressure group during its two day summit,grand awards and foundation laying ceremony of their Secretariat,in Umuahia, said the issue of marginalization against women can be put to a stop,only if women are empowered and allowed to participate in the decision making process of the government.
Interacting with Newsmen,the Abia State President, Lady Eunice Nwaigwe, said the issue of gender based violence among women is becoming increasingly high,hence the need for the organization,as an advocacy group, to rise above board to kick against it.
Nwaigwe further made a passionate appeal to the state government to assist in getting women actively involved in policy making of the government, as when this is done,women can set up policies that can protect them.
Nwaigwe further stated that the NCWS frowns at any form of violence against women and the girl child, be it domestic violence,rape, female genital mutilation, among others.
She stated that the group had taken its awareness campaigns against the ugly monster to another level, pointing out that the more awareness they do,the more women get enlightened and empowered.
Speaking earlier at the Summit,with the theme” Abia Women Unstoppable”,Lady Nwaigwe said it is nolonger business as usual, as Abia women are ready to carry the fight against gender based violence to all the nooks and crannies of the state.
Relaying her achievements in the past 2017 since she came on board as the NCWS president for Abia,Nwaigwe said the organization’s secretariat has been her biggest dream and thanked God the ground breaking for the complex has been done,with government functionaries promising to support the project.
Recounting her challenges,she said the task of bringing women together to achieve a common goal was a challenging one.stating that the paucity of funds also stood as another major barrier,since most of their campaigns and awareness programmes,were financial intensive.
While commending the Abia state government,under the watch of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu,for his kinetic movement that has put Abia on the pedestrian of development, solicited for monthly financial assistance from the government to enable the organization organise seminars, trainings and awareness for women.
The women also used the occasion to honour notable Abians who have distinguished themselves in their field of endeavors,as well as render tireless support to the NCWS. Among such awardees were the wife of the governor of the state, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu,the Deputy Governor of Abia State,Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly,Rt Hon Chinedum Orji,the CEO Tunnel End Construction Company,Engr Enyinnaya Nwafor,the founder,Gregory University,Prof Gregory Ibe among others.
In an Interview with the Executive Chairman,Abia State Universal Basic Education Management Board(ASUBEB), Elder Josiah Anonaba,who was honoured with an award, said his sterling contributions in the education sector of the state, might have attracted the award from the mothers,whose children are under his watch.
Elder Anonaba said the award is simply a call for more hardwork, stating that the award is symbolic to him,as it stands as a motivation for him to do his best in meeting up with the expectation of the state,in managing our basic schools.
The Chancellor Gregory University,Prof Greg Ibe,who was represented by Prince Emeka Okafor,a native of Umuchieze in Umunneochi Local Government of Abia State,said the university community, as well as Abians are delighted over the award given to Prof Ibe, stating that the honour was an encouragement to do more work.
The CEO Tunnel End Construction Company,Engr Enyinnaya Nwafor,who was also represented by his mother,Dame Gladys Nne Nwafor, thanked the NCWS for finding his son fit for the award, urging them not to relent in their advocacy for women and youths.
