Women

NCWS, Not A Political Organisation -Mrs Weke

Published

14 years ago

August 24, 2012

Mrs Evelyn Nkechi Weke has been with the National Council of
Women Societies for over 20 years. She started as a member of the branch in
Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State where she was elected the
Secretary after three years and served for two tenures after which she
continued as a member until three years ago, when she was elected the first
Vice President. Last year, she became the President of the organisation In a
recent interview with Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi, she said NCWS is a service
organization rather than a political one, insisting that only focus on the
girl-child would rewrite the history of the Nigerian woman.

Mrs Weke, who has just presided over the National Council of
Women Societies for barely a year, may have made the declaration probably to correct
some erroneous impression about the organisation, as some members are already
considering it a platform to win political favours.

For Mrs Weke, service is more honourable and favours are
most appreciated when they come out of service, hence the need for members to
remain focused to the tenets of the organisation.

Recounting the association’s involvement in service to
humanity, she said “we have been collaborating
with the Ministry of Health, sensitising mothers on the need for
immunisation.

“We also had a programme to eradicate polio, we gave talk to
women, of course you know most of our members are from the grassroots and then
when the issue of pentavalent vaccine came up, Rivers State hosted the federal
Ministry of Health, the members of the Rivers State NCWS were on hand to
communicate to the women what the vaccine was all about.

“Not long ago we were in Abua/Odual Local Government Area
where we had a workshop on the prevention of maternal death from unwanted
pregnancy.

“We invited a lot of youths, male and female, it was a very
successful project”.

In a meeting of the
executive members of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Tuesday,
with representatives from across the 23 local government areas in Rivers
States, the president announced plan to organise a workshop barely a month from
now.

The workshop which has its theme as the girl-child and her
societal challenges is considered a contribution of the National Council of
Women Societies towards recharting the course of the Nigerian woman.

“Right now, we are about holding another workshop in the
state, to sensitise the girl-child on the need for her education because when a
girl-child is enlightened a nation is educated. We will also focus on cultural
values as well as the stigmatisation on women, especially on areas where women
are supposed to be seen and not be heard,” she said.

Explaining further, Mrs Weke said “ the workshop will be
coming up towards the end of September or early October. We need to sensitise
our women on issues relating to pregnancies and unwanted pregnancies, abortion,
the girl-child education, and then our culture; not excluding taboos on women.

“A culture that allows a woman to take a sick child to
hospital but cannot take decision on the child in the case of a need for
surgery instead she has to wait until her husband comes to give his consent
simply because she is a woman, must not be sustained.

“Hence our women needs to be sensitised to know and rise up
to their responsibilities in the absence of their spouses. When it comes to
health matters, life must be saved first, irrespective of who facilitates it”.

Backing up her resolve for greater service in her tenure,
Mrs Weke recaps the objectives of the body as follows:

“One of our objectives bothers on youths and children. When
you educate them, you enlighten the nation because they are our future leaders.
That is why we concentrate on the youths, teaching them what good, life holds
in stock for them if only they could maintain good reputation.

“Secondly, members of NCWS are foot soldiers. By that I
mean, when it comes to communicating with women, NCWS is one NGO that has the
educated and non-educated women as members. With the educated in our midst, we
are able to go to the rural areas and talk to them in the markets, farms even
at meeting grounds on issues that border on women generally”.

About championing the course of women in the society she
answered. “Oh yes! You know that National Council of Women Societies is the
umbrella body of all the women organisations, it is the mother body. So, every
other organisation, be it medical women, FIDA, NAWOJ or pharmaceutical women
group, they all are parts and parcel of NCWS whatever gender issue they
champion, NCWS is involved.

Despite her role in NCWS, Mrs Evelyn Nkechi Weke is a career
nurse, the Assistant Director of Nursing Services in the University of Port
Harcourt Teaching Hospital UPTH. How does she execute these duties in addition
to her natural role as a wife and mother? She reacts.

“Well you should know that when you are an NCWS member, you
want to save lives. As a nurse too, you know it is about service and as a
mother and a grand mother that I am, it is also about services. But the fact
remains that if you plan yourself, most times there wouldn’t be any conflict.
Besides, I have an understanding husband and children that also understand.

They know those things that I do, they believe in me, we
interact on daily basis.

In my job, I am not found wanting because there is harmony
in my home.

However, marriage is basically about trust.

If you trust each other, there wouldn’t be any reason for
any suspecting the other or not believing in the other.

“My job takes me out for workshops, meetings, outside the
state; I spend 4 days, 5 days as the case may be. Thank God for Mobile Phones,
we keep in touch. If there is harmony, peace, and trust among spouses and
children, then you can be sure of a stable marriage relationship.

For me I have been married for over 30 years I don’t have
any problem with my family. My husband believes in me and I believe in him.
whatever are issues on daily basis, by the end of the day when I get home, we
review them together.

For women who fold arms and wait for men to supply all their
needs, hear her:

“Well, it is obvious that there is global depression, and
women must not sit and wait for their husbands to bring all they need because
if you need a hundred thousand naira, and the man brings sixty thousand naira,
if you are working, you should be able to bring forty thousand naira and that
helps for the smooth running of the home.

But if the man could get the sixty thousand naira and still
go ahead to source for the forty thousand naira,, then there is bound to be
disharmony in the home because you can hardly be appreciated and because you
are always demanding, ofcourse not always getting it at the expected time, you
will hardly be appreciative of the man’s effort and the juice in marriage can
hardly ever be harnessed in your home.

For a gender and equal opportunity bill, Evelyn has this to
say, “In African society I must tell you the truth, it is difficult to have
that bill passed. But, we will keep struggling; keep talking about it, so that
women can have a place and voice in the society. In a place where you have over
20 men in positions of authority with an inclusion of 2 or 3 women, I don’t
think its right. “Even the 35% affirmative action that is being talked about,
if it becomes a reality, good! we can start from there. All the same, it can’t
be a matter of force, I think it is a gradual process, with mutual
understanding, talking to the men and asking for their consent so that we can
work together.

Evaluating the Nigerian women in terms of their relevance to
governance, the NCWS Presido would say that the Nigerian Women have come a long
way. According to her, those days it was
an all men’s affairs. Now, looking at the ministerial appointments, all the
women there are making us proud. Look at the Finance, Education Ministers and
others, they are all doing well and we are proud of them. Back here in the state,
I don’t see them lacking in their duties and all these boil down to the
girl-child education which is what we are talking about.

Women

How to Tackle Child Rape

Published

1 week ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

Child rape is a profound human rights violation that inflicts lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars on its victims.

Among the most vulnerable groups, girl children face a disproportionate amount of sexual abuse globally, reflecting deep-rooted societal, cultural, and systemic failures.

Despite international laws and local measures aimed at protecting children, rape and sexual violence against girl children remain a pervasive problem in many parts of the world. The rape of girl children is alarmingly prevalent worldwide.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four girls experiences some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. This abuse occurs across all socio-economic, cultural, and geographical divides. The underreporting of sexual violence against children, fueled by fear, stigma, and victim-blaming, makes it difficult to grasp the true scale of the problem.

Reports from organizations like UNICEF and Human Rights Watch highlight that in some regions, girl children are specifically targeted due to the belief that they are “pure” or “virgin,” making them more vulnerable to cultural myths that suggest intercourse with a virgin can cure diseases like HIV/AIDS. These deeply harmful beliefs exacerbate the risk for young girls, particularly in countries where educational and legal protections are weak.

A range of factors contributes to the high incidence of rape against girl children, many of which are embedded in patriarchal and misogynistic beliefs. In some cultures, girls are viewed as inferior or subservient to males, making them easy targets for exploitation. The normalization of gender-based violence in some communities means that abuse often goes unnoticed, unreported, or unpunished.

Child marriages, which remain prevalent in some parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, are another contributing factor. When girls are married off as children, they are often exposed to sexual violence under the guise of marital relations. These young brides, who are typically powerless in these situations, often endure repeated sexual abuse from their significantly older husbands.

Additionally, in conflict zones, girl children are disproportionately affected by sexual violence, used as tools of war by armed groups to terrorize communities. Such exploitation results in severe trauma and long-lasting consequences for victims.

Rape and sexual abuse leave devastating effects on a girl child, both physically and mentally. Physically, young girls are not developed enough to handle sexual intercourse, leading to severe injuries, infections, and even death in extreme cases. Many victims also face long-term reproductive health issues, including infertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and complications in future pregnancies.

The psychological toll is equally profound. Victims often suffer from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. The stigma associated with sexual violence further isolates them from their families and communities, leaving them vulnerable to further exploitation or abuse.

The educational consequences are also significant. Many victims drop out of school due to the trauma, fear of facing their abusers, or the stigma attached to rape. This creates a cycle of poverty and dependence, further reducing their life chances.

Access to justice for child rape victims is often fraught with challenges. In many countries, laws around sexual violence are outdated, under-enforced, or not well understood. Law enforcement agencies frequently lack the training or resources to handle cases of child sexual abuse appropriately, leading to further victimization during investigations.

In some cases, cultural practices such as “settling” rape cases between families, or forcing victims to marry their rapists, prevent victims from receiving the justice they deserve. This not only robs the victim of agency but perpetuates a culture of impunity where perpetrators feel empowered to commit further acts of violence.

Additionally, the social stigma surrounding rape prevents many girl children from coming forward. Fear of blame, retaliation, or being ostracized by their communities often keeps victims silent, allowing abusers to continue their crimes unchecked.

Internationally, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) both call for an end to all forms of violence against children, including sexual abuse. Organizations such as UNICEF, Plan International, and Save the Children have been instrumental in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and lobbying for stronger laws and protections.

On a national level, many countries have taken steps to strengthen legal frameworks to protect children from sexual violence. Child protection laws, survivor-centered legal reforms, and harsher penalties for offenders have been introduced in several countries. However, effective implementation remains a challenge in many places due to corruption, weak legal systems, and deep-seated cultural barriers.

To truly address the epidemic of child rape, a multi-faceted approach is needed that tackles the root causes of the problem.

Education and Empowerment of girl-children can go a long way in preventing rape cases in the society. Educating girls about their rights, providing them with life skills, and empowering them to speak out against violence are crucial steps in preventing abuse. Equally important is educating boys and men about consent, respect, and gender equality to shift harmful patriarchal norms.

Girls and women need stronger legal protection to escape some the rape cases that occur regularly. Governments must prioritize the implementation of robust child protection laws, ensuring that law enforcement agents are well-trained and sensitized to handle cases of child rape. Special courts for handling cases involving children, victim support services, and protective measures should be readily available to survivors.

If we have to curb child rape menace, community engagement must be included in the process. Engaging communities to change attitudes toward girl-children and dismantling harmful gender norms is essential. Community leaders, religious figures, and educators can play a pivotal role in shifting mindsets and promoting zero tolerance for violence against children.

Furthermore, there is the need for support for survivours of rape. Comprehensive support systems for survivors are critical for the rest of their lives. These include access to psychological counselling, medical care, legal aid, and safe spaces where victims can heal and rebuild their lives. Schools should also provide supportive environments to help victims continue their education without fear of stigma or discrimination.

Global Advocacy and Accountability from World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and other relevant agencies should as a matter of fact continue to create more awareness and sensitization on the need to save the girl-child. International organizations and governments must continue to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. Monitoring mechanisms, transparency in legal proceedings, and collaboration between countries are key to fighting transnational issues like child trafficking for sexual exploitation.

It is worrisome to note in this 21st century, as the world is a global village, fully digitalized, when the girl-children should be allowed to showcase their potentials, instead they are trafficked to do jobs that will harm their lives.

Parents particularly, should have the number of children they can cater for. They should also pay attention to the ones they have.

Moreso, the boy-children and the men should be sensitized on the need to stop the menace.

Rape and sexual violence against girl-children is one of the gravest injustices of our time, robbing millions of their childhoods and futures. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to protect the most vulnerable among us. It is only through collective action, from governments, communities, families, and international organizations, that we can create a world where girl- children are safe, empowered, and free from violence.

Perpetual Oluchi Izuegbunam

Women

Who Is A Classic Woman?

Published

2 months ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

A classic woman is one who has identified herself in terms of fashion, occupation or the kind of business she does.

A woman can be classical in the way she entertains her audience in terms of music and movies. You will discover that some female musicians are identified with the kind of music they sing.

A classical woman is one who always wants to appear trendy.

Generally, classical women are normally identified with the kind of things they are involved in.

There are ladies that want to be identified with wearing of shorts (short trousers) in the public. They use it to showcase their beauty. They want to be identified with such things as they see it as socialisation.

Some wear trousers that are so tight just to showcase all the curves they possess.

Consultant stylists and etiquette experts say some fashions won by some persons are inappropriate because of how and when they are won.

A classic woman is supposed to dress properly. She should be able to wear clothes that will not expose hidden parts of her body. When such occurs, then it is indecent dressing.

Ladies should be known for two things, classical and beauty. One can be classic with minimisation. The minimum woman should go is to look good, decent and presentable.

Some ladies like wearing short skirts but no matter how short the skirt is, it should look elegant. The skirt should not be too short like the mini-skirt.

Dressing or fashion depends on the environment the persons finds herself. The kind of clothes won to the office may be different from the one won at home. Likewise, a dress won to a party may be different from the one won too swimming pool.

For one to look classical or decent, body shape should be taken into consideration.

Colours of a particular fashion can make one look odd or nice. Looking model does not mean that one should go naked or dull.

Don’t wear clothes that you need to drag from time to time in order not to expose yourself.

Eunice Choko-Kayode

Women

Emohua Widows Receive Items From Ogbakor Ikwerre California

Published

2 months ago

January 8, 2026

The Tide

A Non-Governmental Organization, (NGO) Ogbakor Ikwerre,California, DBA, Ikwerre Community Association, California, through it’s outreach projects has donated food items to over 300 Widows in Rumuekpe and Rumuji in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Speaking during the handover of the items to the women leaders of the communities in Emohua, yesterday, the team leader of the Ogbakor Ikwerre Community Association in California, Dr Christiana Chukumati, said that the donation is an annual event that has been on since 2014.

According to her, the NGO is donating the items among the four local government area of Ikwerre adding that this year is for widows in Rumuekpe and Rumuji communities.

“Today is Rumuekpe and Rumuji communities, next we are going to another Ikwerre local government area also.

” The NGO has been carrying on the activities since 2014 within the

Ikwerre communities”, Dr Chukumati said.

She thanked the Royal father of Rumuekpe, His Royal Highness, Golden Amb. Christian Amadi, Eze Chigu and the Royal Highness of Rumuji and Odegu Kingdom, Ohna Christian Okachineke Elechi Newe-Eli (the xv) for receiving them in their communities.

The team leader also promised the Royal Highness that whenever the NGO has any other items for the communities, she we do well to bring it to them.

Receiving the Ogbakor Ikwerre Community Association in California in Rumuekpe, His Royal Highness Golden Christian Amadi, praised the NGO for funding his clan among the communities.

According to the Highness, my community is the only oil producing community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, adding that his community is feeding the local government area, the state and the nation.

“I thank my children over there in California for remembering the widows in my Kingdom for the food items they brought.

” I pray to God to help them to do also to other Ikwerre communities.

” I want to tell them also that Rumuekpe Kingdom is till undeveloped.

” As you can see the community is nothing to show to the people, I want to beg the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Rivers State government to come to our aid to develop our community. We are underdeveloped”

“God will bless my children over there in California”, His Royal Highness Amadi prayed.

In her words, the women leader of Rumuekpe community, Comfort Njoku, said that she was happy for the gift items given to them adding that it is not easy to remember the widows.

She explained that in Rumuekpe, the widows have not seen such a gift before and prayed that is only God that will reward them.

“I want to thank the Ogbakor Ikweree Community Association in California for giving us this items in this festival. We thank God for them and the leader of the group, Mrs Chukumati.

” What we received today we have not seen it in our community before for widows”, Mrs Njoku stated.

Meanwhile, in Rumuji community, His Royal Highness, Ohna Christian Okachineke Elechi, said that he lacked words to thank the Ogbakor Ikwerre Community Association in California for the gift to the widows in his communities.

According to him, today is historic in the history of Rumuji community that our children in oversea can remember us, I am very excited and happy over the items.

“I feel very very happy, it is good that our children recognize the widows in my community today.

” I did not know them before but now I know them, I pray to God Almighty to pay them back for their effort and that they will not lack.

“I pray God to continue to bless them in whatever things they are doing” he stated.

Earlier, the oldest woman in Rumuji community, Nletem Josiah, who spoke in her local language interpreted by the woman leader, Agor Leah Onugbom, thanked the Ogbakor Ikwerre Community Association in California for the gift adding that her husband died many years ago that has caused her hardship.

” In my age and these people come and give me these food items, is only God that will bless them for me.

” This Xmas I will eat and be happy so I want to thank them and that my God, God will bless them for me”, Mama Josiah said.

By: Kiadum Edookor