By Rosemary Okoduwa
The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the lives of women, girls, and vulnerable groups through strategic partnerships, following a collaboration meeting with the Better Life Empowerment and Care Foundation (BeLiEF and Care Foundation), a non-governmental organisation established by the Office of the First Lady of Edo State.
During the meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Benin City, both organisations explored potential areas of collaboration, including women’s economic empowerment, gender equity, education, livelihood development, and the prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV).
Speaking during the visit, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien , noted that the Foundation’s vision aligns with the Ministry’s mandate of promoting and protecting the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. She commended the Foundation’s economic empowerment model and encouraged partnerships with organisations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme to further expand its reach and impact.
She further disclosed that, with support from the IOM, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is currently operational in Uromi, while another is being established in Auchi to enhance access to medical, psychosocial, and legal support services for survivors of gender-based violence.
Presenting the Foundation’s strategic roadmap, its Communications Manager, Mr. Kelvin Lawrence, outlined key programmes, including the Women’s Action for Wealth (WAW) Creation Programme, which focuses on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) business registration support; the Proudly Edo Products Initiative; and an Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme targeted at rural women farmers.
He also highlighted plans to advance gender equity through advocacy and the “He for She” initiative, introduce the Total Women’s Health Programme, the Edo Children’s Educational Excellence and Leadership Initiative (CELLI), as well as technology and vocational skills development programmes. In addition, he announced plans for a statewide awareness campaign on Sexual Assault Referral Centres, in collaboration with the Ministry, to encourage the reporting of sexual and gender-based violence.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to implementing sustainable programmes aimed at empowering women, protecting vulnerable groups, and promoting inclusive development across Edo State.
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