Abasi Ita, Calabar
A one-day bilateral linking and learning workshop aimed at developing a common template for the smooth implementation of the WELEAD project in sub-Saharan Africa has been concluded in Calabar.
The interactive forum which featured WELEAD implementing partners from Kenya and Niger was also intended to afford participants ample avenue to share experiences and foist a formidable platform to accelerate the attainment of common goals.
In her opening remarks, the Head of Programme, Girls Power Initiative, GPI, Mrs. Ndodeye Bassey opined that the bilateral visit was designed as” a means of developing robust synergy in tackling sexual exploitations, harassment, gender-based violence as well as culturally induced discriminatory practices against girls and women”
She disclosed that the bilateral visit was facilitated by HIVOS, an international organization specializing in building social movements to guarantee a just, inclusive, and sustainable society.
According to her:” I want to applaud HIVOS for facilitating this visit. Apart from promoting cross-border friendship, it would also ensure the exchange of ideas for optimum performance about the attainment of set targets.
In her remarks, a member of the visiting contingent, Mary Kuira who works with HIVOS in Kenya expressed delight over the visit noting that the experience would go a long way in ensuring cultural boundaries and the exchange of ideas.
In her words,” The success story recorded by GPI in mobilizing critical stakeholders to endorse the vision of WELEAD which entails building the capacity of girls and women to attain life goals is amazing”
“It clearly demonstrates that WELEAD has evolved from an intervention Initiative into a movement. It is now incumbent on us to ensure that we sustain the momentum for optimum impact”
The event featured an interactive session and a cultural display