NGO Pledges To Advance Women’s Rights

The Umuada Igbo Nige
ria and Diaspora, an NGO, said it would embark on grassroots mobilisation/sensitisation on family planning, reproductive health rights and Violence against Persons Prohibition (VPP) Bill.
The President-General of the association, Chief Kate Ezeofor, stated this at the commemoration of International Women’s Day 2015 held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, recently.
She reaffirmed its determination to promote the socio-cultural, economic and political rights of women in the country.
Our correspondent reports that the theme of this year’s celebration is “Make it happen”, aimed at encouraging effective action for advancing and recognising women globally.
According to her, Umuada Igbo represents one of the veritable tools of government in traditional Igbo setting.
“We are working on a bill which when passed and signed into law by various state governments, will enable the girl-child, mother, wife and widow to inherit their fathers’ and husbands’ property.
“We are also planning advocacy visits, rallies and meetings to communities, villages and towns to educate women on their inheritance rights.
“We shall also educate them on the need to eliminate voter apathy, guard their loved ones against electoral violence as well as the need to embrace mechanised agriculture”, Ezeofor said.
The president-general disclosed that the body planned to build hospital, diagnostic and cultural centre on 7.7 hectares donated by Omogho community in Anambra.