Women
Philantropy And The Plight Of Rural Women
In the African setting, giving of support to under privileged women especially grassroots women is a virtue cherished by all but practised by a few.
Many times even among the few that give, most of them expect reward and for that reason they tend to support people of their own social status who they expect could reciprocate the gesture in future.
Ideally alms and support should be targeted at the needy and less privileged.
According to the scriptures as recorded in James chapter one verse 27, pure religion and undefiled before God is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, (Authorised King James Version). Right from the days of Noah, giving of financial support till date, had remained one of the cardinal principles of true Christianity.
It is actually not very easy to give especially when one is not expecting an immediate reward from it. Another factor militating against the act of giving is abundance of wealth. When one has too much wealth it is difficult to give out, because he/she knows exactly that a little extention of the wealth can make the next person great. Hence, the urge to remain prominent among the wealthy remains the bane of this laudable practice, as the gap between the rich and the poor widens by the day.
Giving to the very poor class of people like widows who have nothing to give in exchange of what they receive is the kind that is recommended and rewarded by God.
The recent donation of N5 million to 100 women in Omerelu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state by the Honourable Commissioner for Lands/Survey, Hon. Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi on January 7, 2012, is a clear demonstration of an attempt to identify with the plight of the rural women especially at a time when the support was needed most, the farming season.
Though, also trying to press down the need to support the good governance of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he generously distributed N50,000 each to one hundred women. I am quite convinced that two-third of those who received the cash have never seen N30,000 in bulk.
Some of the beneficiaries in the open field, knelt down and sincerely asked God to protect and guide their benefactor. Others took some sweet-dance steps that only indicated one thing; happiness.
To the rural women, Ezemonye has done more than Napoleon the great or any other great man you can think of could do because he has supported them to do their farm work. A legacy, I bet you, will live from generation to generation, as the message has gone beyond the shores of Omerelu land.
The strength of that “poverty alleviation scheme”, drove some people like Mrs Eunice Wondi to declare a total support for the benefactor and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mrs. Wondi did not stop there, she promised in strong terms to surrender her house-hold to the PDP just as Joshua in the holy scriptures declared to serve the lord with his house (Joshua 24 verse 15).
She did not make such hard declaration out of nothing. Afterall, her N50,000 cash was in her hand, no sooth sayer or prophet would have succeeded in advising her to do otherwise.
Women, to a reasonable extent, know how to celebrate/appreciate gifts.
They turned down every warning against making public their gift or alms whenever it comes their way.
Mrs. Okwuchi Lucky-Assor, who was also among the beneficiaries tagged hers as “backbone” was full of joy
Now, the question is: can the women channel the cash to the appropriate quarter or will they keep it under their pillous?
Another wonderful gift to the women was that of the acting chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Council Hon Amaechi Franklin Nwaobakata on the Armed Forces Remember Day (15-01-2012).
One can still see vividly a clear picture of a patriot who wants to salvage his people from their sufferings, especially the down trodden.
Wobakata, who remembered the widows and wives of heroes of world wars 1,2 and Nigerian Civil War, announced the donation of a soft loan of an undisclosed amount, that the world might know that the widows and wives of the Armed Forces members ought to feel the impact of the government.
There was no crime if he stopped at the traditional way of making some pledges to legionnaires during the armed forces day. To show his love for womanhood, the soft loan pronouncement was made.
The council boss explained in details that there was no better way to appreciate the families of the fallen heroes than to positively support their families. According to him, they (fallen heroes) and living heroes alike risked their lives to ensure that the territorial boundaries of the country are kept intact.
He reasoned that the loan when fully implemented would provide a backbone for the women and their families. To him, it is better to teach some one to fish than to give him fish. He also expressed belief that the women have all it takes to manage homes better than the men.
Though, he also made mention of the increment of stipends paid to legionnaires, but it did not raise much ovation like the provision of loan scheme for women. Women who are referred to as home keepers in must cases, show visible anger when their homes are not in order, for the fear of being blamed, they ensure that they do well with anything that is provided for them.
The ONELGA boss, who extended to other women in the community in a way, asked them to mind the activities of their children so as to promote peace in the area. He reasoned that even the loan can not last if there is violence in the local government area.
To the perpetrators of violence, he likened to those biblical foolish virgins who did not know how to plan for themselves. He was also full of praises for women and daughters of the area who have so far proved their worth in the place.
The chairman of ONELGA legionnaires, Major Nwanna Reuben (Rtd) lauded the chairman for the gesture towards the women, and described him as a true son of his mother.
To him, the loan for women is a healing balm that will bring joy to them.
Women
Echoes Of IWD : Need To Invest In Women
As this year’s Internatinal Women’s Day (IWD) has come and gone, there are calls from different quarters on the need to invest in women so that we can achieve accelerated growth.
It was, indeed, a thing of joy when Rivers Women Unite For Sim, took delivery of large quantities of sanitary towels and some bags of rice provided them for this year’s celebration.
Many young women expressed joy that they got such gesture since some of them have financial problems getting sanitary towels whenever they are on.
Some secondary school students were also lucky to have a share of the benefits. They also got some sanitary towels.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Women Affairs organised a platform to celebrate and honour the women for the remarkable jobs they perform in their homes and society.
Addressing women on the occasion, the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Roseline Apawari Uranta, noted that women from time immemorial have been great pillars in achieving remarkable heights and stressed that IWD across the globe is pivotal all women for the roles they play in bringing, nurturing and sustaining life.
Dr. Uranta said that IWD, which started in 1911 and celebrated annually on March 8, is a global day that provides women a platform to address economic inclusion, participation in political and public life.
She said the day was set aside to look into lack of access to education for the girl-child, gender-based violence, child marriage, child trafficking, harmful cultural practices as well as other challenges facing women around the globe.
The Hon. Commissioner, who described March 8 as a day to celebrate the socio-economic, cultural and political achievements of women, emphasised that it is a day that offers women the opportunity to reflect on progressive achievements.
Noting that it is an opportunity to call for change, she stressed that it is also an opportunity to celebrate acts of courage and every achievement made by ordinary women who did extraordinary things and are remembered in history.
She noted that the IWD2024 theme:”Invest In Women, Accelerate Progress”, is timely and apt because according to her, to achieve gender equality, we must ensure that the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women do not elude them.
Her words: ” We must see investing in women as a human right issue and consider investing in women as a social tool to eradicate poverty since women are helpmeet in the homes while a handful are breadwinners in their respective families”.
The commissioner urged women to uphold the deliberate act of investing in themselves, be it furthering formal education, developing a new skill as well as learning a trade.
“Shun idleness, always find something positive and productive to do, regardless of your age, social status and financial capabilities”, she said.
In a paper presentation, Dr. Dabota God’swill Jumbo, reiterated that investing in women would attract good and positive dividends to herself and the society at large and noted that it is essential in addressing poverty, hunger and climate change.
The guest speaker said women need more opportunities in elective and appointive positions, hence the need to encourage and support them in politics.
According to her, when you invest in women, they will be able to create safer environment devoid of gender-based violence.
In a goodwill message, the spokesperson, Rivers Women Unite For Sim, Mrs Charity Deemua appreciated the organisers for making it possible for women to gather and celebrate themselves.
She commended those who created a day like March 8 of every year to celebrate women and regretted that the girl-child was seen as a second-class person decades ago.
The former commissioner, Rivers State House of Assembly Commission, described those who taught it wise for women to celebrate as conquerors, tough and strong.
International Association of World Peace Advocates, a world-class organisation with the United Nations, honoured different categories of women.
In Cross River State, 150 women were empowered with about N15m to boost their small and medium scale businesses.
According to stakeholders, the women empowerment is vital in addressing social, economic and political challenges and will make them self-reliant.
An NGO, Association of Professional Women Engineering Technologists (APWET), said it’s aim is to promote professional excellence among engineering personnel, advocating for women and girl-child education.
With what we saw in terms of response to women’s call on issues affecting them from relevant authorities, we are optimistic that the women will do better whenever they are empowered.
If we must kick out cervical, breast and other forms of cancer in women, underage marriage, prostitution, we must invest in women.
There were goodwill messages from National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC, Nigeria Association of Female Journalists (NAWOJ), among others.
By: Eunice Choko-Kayode
News
Women Empowerment, Key Priority Of Fubara’s Govt -Deputy Gov
The Rivers State Government has said that empowerment of women is one of its key priorities.
The Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, stated this during the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration, at the Women Development and Skills Acquisition Centre, Ministry of Women Affairs, Port Harcourt, at the weekend.
Odu described International Women’s Day as a catalyst used to push for women empowerment and assured that their welfare would be boosted by the government.
The deputy governor assured the women them that the state government would live up to its campaign promise by investing in women and advised them to utilise their starter parks whenever they are empowered.
In a keynote address, the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Roseline Apawari Uranta, noted that women from time immemorial have been great pillars in achieving remarkable heights and stressed that IWD across the globe is of pivotal essence to celebrate all women for the roles they play in bringing, nurturing and sustaining life.
Uranta said that IWD, which started in 1911 and celebrated annually on March 8, is a global day that provides women a platform to address economic inclusion, limited participation in political and public life.
She described it as a day set aside to look into lack of access to education for the girl-child, gender-based violence, child marriage, child trafficking, harmful cultural practices as well as other challenges facing women in the continent and beyond.
The commissioner, who described March 8 as a day to celebrate the socio-economic, cultural and political achievements of women, emphasised that it is a day that offers women the opportunity to reflect on progressive achievements.
Nothing that it is an opportunity to call for change, she stressed that the Day is also an opportunity to celebrate acts of courage and every achievement made by ordinary women who did extraordinary things and are remembered in history.
She described this year’s IWD theme:”Invest In Women, Accelerate Progress”, as timely and apt because according to her, to achieve gender equality, we must ensure that the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women do not elude them.
She said, “We must see investing in women as a human right issue and consider investing in women as a social tool to eradicate poverty since women are help-mates in the homes while a handful are breadwinners in their respective families”.
Uranta urged women to uphold the deliberate act of investing in themselves both in formal education, developing a new skill as well as learning a trade.
“Shun idleness, always find something positive and productive to do, regardless of your age, social status and financial capabilities”, she advised.
In a paper presentation, the guest speaker, Dr. Dabota Godswill Jumbo, reiterated that investing in women would attract good and positive dividends to herself and the society at large and noted that it is essential in addressing poverty, hunger and climate change.
She said women need more opportunities in elective and appointive positions, hence the need to encourage and support them in politics.
According to her, when you invest in women, they will be able to create safer environment where women will dwell devoid of gender-based violence.
In a goodwill message, the spokesperson, Rivers Women Unite For Sim, Mrs Charity Deemua, appreciated the organisers for making it possible for women to gather and celebrate themselves.
She commended those who created IWD to celebrate women and regretted that the girl-child was seen as a second-class person decades ago.
The former commissioner, Rivers State House of Assembly Commission, described those who taught it wise for women to celebrate as conquerors, tough and strong.
There were goodwill messages from National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC, Nigeria Association of Female Journalists (NAWOJ), among others.
Eunice Choko-Kayode
Women
IWD : Perusing The Importance And Contributions Of Women
All over the globe, women generally are celebrated in the month of March. The celebration comes once in a year to mark the tremendous tasks women perform.
With this year’s theme, ‘Count Her In, Invest In Women, Accelerate Progress’, let it be an opportunity for leaders and stakeholders to peruse the importance of investing in the female gender and to empower them.
Scholarship should be granted female students instead of forcing them into underage marriage.
The roles they play in their various countries, states, local government areas, communities; \societies, religious organisations and families can never be over-emphasised.
In business organisations, women have proved that they can form greater part in number in leadership.
In politics, they are not left out as they form not less than 35 percent of affirmative action. You can find quite majority of women in the parliament, Senate and the House of Representatives}.
In the Judiciary, the female Judges and Justices, which may be the highest rank are doing well also.
Women have become Presidents and Vice Presidents in their countries.
In many nations of the world, women are governors and deputy governors even in State House of Assembly, they are doing well.
Women form part of local government council administration. They are chairmen and vice chairmen of some local government councils.
In the academia, women have risen to be Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Registrars, Bursars and other principal officers of universities worldwide.
In their local communities, they form part of the grassroots who engage in agriculture and sole proprietorship. Their roles in food chain are second to none.
It is the women who give birth to children who in future grow to adulthood.
They nurture and nurse their younger ones to grow into maturity from breastfeeding stage.
When it comes to domestic affairs, they utilise all available resources maximally, ensuring that fund is allocated to every item at home. Where there is a housekeep or nanny, the mother plays a supervisory role’ other wise, things may not go well.
With all the roles women play in our societies, how well have they been treated?. In politics, they still have low turnout in participation. Their partners sometimes do not give them that opportunity to participate fully in politics. When women are at the helms of affairs, things may get better.
In the area of healthcare, women need free medicare from antenatal stage to delivery because of their roles in the families. This needs not be negotiated. If this is provided them, the rate of maternal and infant mortality will be less.
Women need soft loans not just from government at all levels, but from spirited individuals and Non- Governmental Organisations, NGO, to boost their petty trading. Some of them have lost their spouse and find it difficult to cope.
We need more women in the schools at every levels, especially at the tertiary leve where we have the teenagers and adolescent girls. These groups of people need attention. Female lecturers will provide them with the right guidance and counselling in this 21st century. In this computer age, where they are exposed to many things, their folk will play better roles in their lives.
As women mark the International Women’s Day, today, it is important to honour, cherish and appreciate their contributions to the family and society. It is important that we reflect on those things that affect them negatively, as today is being set aside to honour them.
As Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital hosts one of the biggest associations in the world, the International Association of World Peace Advocates, a world class organisation with the United Nations, stakeholders should emphasise more on the place of women in national development and world peace.
The United Nations through the IWD 2024 should raise more awareness on the importance of women and their contributions towards world peace.
Eunice Choko-Kayode
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