From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
A Non governmental organization (NGO) inclined to projection of women affairs known as ‘Sisters Guardian Initiative” an affiliate of South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSSDO) has advocated for inclusion of women in the cabinet of every traditional ruler across the country.
Mrs Blessing Uchendu,Gender focal person, South Saharan Social Development Organization, made the plea at the occasion of the 2021 International Day on Violence against Women” held at Orokoro Community in Isi Uzo local government area of Enugu state.
The International day on Violence against Women is a 16 day global event which holds from November 16-December 10 every year.
Speaking at the event,the SSSDO Gender focal person,Mrs Blessing Uchendu,explained the inclusion of women in the leadership role of every community leader as being canvassed by Sisters Guardian Initiative will help to ensure that issues relating to women and even the Girl -Child are adequately noted and deliberated as a measure of forstering peace and unity among rural dwellers in every community.
She lamented that violence against women very often are detrimental to the socio economic growth of a rural community because they are under reported and treated, therefore the essence and initiative behind the birth of Sisters Guardian Initiative.
According to her,Sisters Guardian Initiative which comprises of Ten Women natives of every community, intends to promote the good aspects of the culture of their respective communities, but must always stand out to defend the cause of the female folk,when their rights to life are impeded upon.
She mentioned incidences of rape and wife batering as most common as aspects of violence perpetrated against women in rural communities,of which the violators go scot free but the victims suffer a lot of psychological defects.
She advised the Sisters Guardian Initiative,Orokoro community chapter to ensure every rape victim is taken to hospital for laboratory tests for treatment against sexually transmitted disease as a first measure, while following up the matter with concerned authorities.
Mr Obinna Obinna Nebo and other officials of South Saharan Social Development Organization, in their respective speeches expressed the pertinent need for peaceful co existence among husbands and wives in Orokoro community, other men and the female folk as a measure of reducing violence against women in their community.
They advised the women to engage themselves with a just economic activity of raising funds of their own,to curtail domestic violence which often are caused by poor financial status of partners.
At the request of the women,SSSDO promised to assist them in registering Cooperative Societies, which will assist them to gain loan facilities from the organization,banks and other related organizations.
