The Affirmative Action and Economic Advocacy for Women and Youths program is an Accord’s initiative targeted at women and youths across twenty communities in four states of Nigeria (Rivers, Imo, Delta and Lagos).
The program’s goal is to use affirmative action to address systemic disadvantages which women and girls face due to gender injustice and discrimination. It also seeks to strengthen youth groups for effective civic engagement and participation in democratization and governance.
As part of the activities to achieve the goal of the program, town hall sessions were organised and facilitated by Accord in Emuhu and Oza-Nogogo communities in Ika South Local Government Council of Delta State.
Emuhu and Oza-Nogogo communities are rural, with a predominantly agrarian population. Women in these communities face numerous challenges, including:
- Limited access to education and economic opportunities
- Poor healthcare facilities and services
- Domestic violence and gender-based violence
- Limited representation in decision-making processes
- Cultural and social norms that perpetuate gender inequality
- Limited access to land ownership and inheritance rights
- High rates of child marriage and teenage pregnancy
- Limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities
- Limited opportunities for skill acquisition and empowerment
- Stigma and marginalization of women with disabilities
Objective
To empower women and promote gender equity through affirmative action and social inclusion in Emuhu and Oza-Nogogo Communities, with a focus on addressing systemic barriers, violence against women and promoting sustainable change.
Target Population
The town hall sessions were targeted at 50 participants (women) each from Emuhu and Oza-nogogo communities.
Summary of Activities:
The town hall session brought together about 100 participants, especially women from diverse backgrounds, including women leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and homemakers, to discuss and strategize on advancing gender equity in the target communities.
The session aimed to:
- Raise awareness on gender equity and affirmative action, highlighting the importance of addressing historical gender disparities.
- Raise awareness on Violence Against Women and Gender Inequality
- Identify barriers to women’s participation in decision-making processes, including education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political representation.
- Develop strategies for social inclusion and empowerment, focusing on collective action and community engagement.
- Set up a Violence Against Women Help Desk in the communities
- Set up and register new women owned co-operatives
Key Highlights
The Accord facilitator (Efe Ehimen) welcomed participants to the program emphasizing the importance of affirmative action in addressing historical gender disparities that lead to discrimination / violence against women (including FGM and other harmful traditional practices) and promoting gender equity.
The Head of Department – Community Development of Ika South Local Government Area, Mr. Efedi Clement encouraged women to form themselves into co-operatives and register with the Ministry of Commerce so as to be eligible for government grants and loans.
He emphasized on the need for women to report cases of violence to the appropriate quarters, while lauding Accord’s initiative to create help desks in the Local Government Council and the target communities.
during the Emuhu Town Hall session
Action Plan:
- Establish a Violence Against Women Help Desk in the Ika South Local Government Council and in Emuhu and Oza-nogogo communities.
- Establish a mentorship program for girls and young women, pairing them with successful women in the LGA.
- Register two cooperatives each in Emuhu and Oza-nogogo communities
- Develop a women’s economic empowerment initiative, providing training and resources for entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
- Launch an advocacy campaign for policy changes, focusing on increasing women’s representation in local government and addressing gender-based violence.
Recommendations
- Increase awareness and education on gender equity and affirmative action, targeting community leaders, stakeholders, and youth.
- Engage community leaders and stakeholders in promoting gender equity, encouraging their support and participation.
- Provide resources and support for women’s empowerment initiatives, including funding, training, and networking opportunities.
Conclusion
The town hall session marked a significant step towards advancing gender equity in Emuhu and Oza-nogogo communities. Women’s voices were amplified, and collective action was ignited. Continued collaboration and support are crucial for sustainable progress.
The action plan and recommendations provide a roadmap for moving forward, and we are committed to working together with all relevant stakeholders to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
