By Abasi Ita
The Cross River State Government has pledged strong collaboration with stakeholders in the gender based violence response system to promote initiatives aimed at ending harmful practices and other forms of deprivation affecting women and girls in the state.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom, gave the assurance during a conference hosted by the Olayinka Nicole Odewunmi Foundation to launch the “Here to Help Project” as part of activities marking the International Women’s Day celebration in Calabar.
Irom, who was represented by a Deputy Director in the ministry, Martina Odey, described the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening support systems for women and advancing their empowerment and development. She said the conference marked an important milestone as the foundation begins its first major intervention in Cross River State, adding that International Women’s Day offers an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of women and girls.
The commissioner commended the leadership of the foundation for selecting Cross River State as the starting point of the intervention and encouraged women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and young women to actively participate in the programme. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Women Affairs to continue partnering with civil society organisations and development partners to create an enabling environment for women and girls to realise their full potential.
In her welcome remarks, the State Coordinator of the Ono Foundation, Gift Oghale, said the organisation was established to support vulnerable women, children and the girl child in achieving their dreams and aspirations. She explained that the initiative was inspired by the vision of the late development advocate, Mrs Nicole Bodeomi, whose family sustained the foundation after her passing to ensure that her humanitarian vision continues.
Oghale said the foundation has operated for more than two years, initially focusing its activities in Lagos State before expanding its outreach to other parts of the country. She noted that the International Women’s Day celebration provided an opportunity for the foundation to introduce its activities in Cross River State in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other partners.
According to her, the “Here to Help Project” focuses on empowering women both financially and mentally through capacity building and awareness, helping them understand their value and potential in society. She added that interactions with women during the programme have provided insights into the challenges they face, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to supporting their resilience and helping them overcome cultural barriers.
Presenting a paper titled Personal Development and Growth as a Nigerian Woman, a resource person,Mrs Ndifreke Ita, urged women to be intentional about self development through capacity building and exposure to innovative ideas in order to become valuable contributors to society rather than remaining dependent.
Participants at the conference expressed satisfaction with the initiative and called for more regular sessions aimed at empowering women and girls across the state.