Group demands effective gender equality, social inclusion of women, others in Akwa-ibom

By Lovina Anthony, Akwa-ibom

Group known as Kebetkeche Women Resource Development Centre has called for effective gender equality and social inclusion of women, children and persons with disabilities in Akwa-ibom state.

The organization, however demanded for the domestication of the National Gender Policy (NGP) in Akwa Ibom State to ensure effective development in the various communities of the state.

The Executive Director of Kebetkeche Center, Emem Okon made this known during the Community and Advocacy dialogue with stakeholders and Community leaders,, supported by Mac Arthur Foundation and WRAPA on “Gender equality and Social Inclusion” that took place in Ikot Ekpene local government area of the state.

Okon represented by the Communications Officer, Nsemeke Fabian Asanga regretted that in-spite of numerous benefits of the NGP since its enactment in 2006 and review in 2021, it still floats at the national level without being domesticated and implemented at the state and local levels in the state.

Okon explained that the policy, if implemented would encourage social inclusion and ensure that women, children and people with disability are carried along in the scheme of things and in development process.

According to her, “What we are doing is to advocate for the implementation and domestication of the National Gender Policy in the State. So we are here in Ikot otu in Ikot Ekpene local government to advocate to the community leaders and the people that if this policy is implemented, it will promote gender equality and social inclusion.

“We have also advocated to legislative members even the female legislators of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and we hope that the state will soon adopt it and we will further mainstream it to different local governments in the state.”

Earlier, in her paper entitled, ” Using Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) to Promote Community Development,” the Resource person, Constance Meju noted that community leaders should understand that the world is striving to bridge the inequality gap in the society because of its damaging and retrogressive impacts.

Meju harped on the need for community leaders and policy makers to conduct assessment needs of both men and women including the vulnerable and people living with disabilities in the society before embarking on any project, programmes or policies to ensure total inclusion and high impact.

While calling for domestication of NGP in the state, Meju encouraged women to prepare themselves, mentally, socially and psychologically to participate actively and serve in any opportunity that comes up.

She added, “We need more women in Community Development Committees, PIA Community Trust Funds, Youth and Social Organizations Local Government Councils and Committees State and National Assemblies.

“Women should be involved in healthcare decision making because women have peculiar health needs and as womb of society their health status determines the health of the society.” She stressed.

A female Chief, Obongawan Grace Ukut called for equal rights for both male and female children in the family and in communities, frowning at situations where preferences were given to the male, even as she noted that with NGP in place in her community, such issues would be addressed.