From Marcel Duru, Owerri.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Imo State Hon.Nkechinyere Ugwu has debunked allegation levelled against government of Senator Hope Uzodimma of being Gender Insensitive in Imo State. Speaking recently at the State Secretariat in Owerri, Imo State she highlighted that Governor Uzodimma has fought gender insensitivity in Imo State to a stand still by enforcing legislation adding that the governor has directed Ministries to coordinate advocacy visits to traditional rulers to constantly reminding Eze Imo and other monarchs in the State that they are the first line of defence, those who perpetuate acts like widow maltreatment, must be held accountable and punished according to Law. Ugwu further revealed that the Ministry under the instructions of His Excellency Town hall sensitization with Office of First Lady Chioma Uzodimma and UN Women to educate Communities on harmful Widowhood practices, inheritance rights violations amongst others. She however stated that in Imo State Maternal/Infant Mortality has reduced adding that improved primary healthcare, Health Insurance, and medical interventions top the list. Female Gender Commissioner, answering questions on Economic empowerment of Imo Women She projected that Empowerment Scheme for skills training and grants, though ministry has given new name “Gender and Vulnerable Group. Traditional rulers Ministry, First Lady’s Office took advocacy directly to HRM Eze E.C. Okeke and other monarchs to get them to speak out against dehumanizing cultural practices. Ugwu opined that Other agencies/partners tackling gender insensitivity in Imo We’re Imo State Ministry of Justice – Response Team – prosecutes rape, domestic violence under VAPP Law, Imo Police Command – Family Support Unit (FSU) and Gender Unit- investigates GBV cases National Orientation Agency runs “Change Begins With Me” gender equality Campaigns Others. International Federation of Women Lawyers. Gives free legal aid to women/girls, handles VAPP cases in court, UN Women Nigeria – Works with Imo govt on women’s political participation, economic empowerment, Peace and Security Alliances for Africa, STEER, EVIDA – Community Sensitization, School Clubs, reporting hotlines for GBV GoodHope Women’s Initiative – Chief Barr. Dr. Chioma Uzodimma runs health and empowerment programs for women/girls. She concludes that Law exists but enforcement and cultural change is slow that more reason the Ministry is pushing traditional rulers because Culture drives most insensitivity in rural Communities of Imo State.
