Stronger Partnerships Needed to End GBV, Empower Women – Abia Commissioner

The Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Ijeoma Aghukwa, has underscored the need for stronger partnerships among government institutions, civil society organisations and development partners to effectively tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and advance the empowerment of women and girls.
Dr Aghukwa stated this when the Women Information Network (WINET) paid an advocacy visit to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs as part of the implementation of its project, “Strengthening Women Rights Organizations for Gender-Based Violence Prevention.”
Receiving the WINET delegation in her office, the commissioner stressed that addressing Gender-Based Violence and promoting women’s rights require sustained collaboration and collective action from all stakeholders.
According to her, the Ministry of Women Affairs remains committed to supporting programmes and initiatives that promote the protection, empowerment and socio-economic advancement of women across the state.
She noted that the administration of Governor Alex Otti, through the Office of the First Lady, has continued to place premium attention on women’s development and inclusion, recognising the critical role women play in societal growth.
Dr Aghukwa disclosed that the state government, in collaboration with development partners, has been implementing various empowerment initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of women and enhancing their economic independence.
She highlighted ongoing interventions supported through partnerships between the World Bank and the Abia State Government, noting that efforts are underway to scale up the programmes to reach more beneficiaries across the state.
The commissioner also pointed to the achievements of the Ahia Oma Market Women Initiative, under which women from different local government areas have benefitted from training and empowerment schemes designed to strengthen their businesses.
She explained that participants in the programme received support materials, including umbrellas and aprons, to enhance their entrepreneurial activities and improve their sources of income.
While commending WINET for its advocacy efforts, Dr Aghukwa described the organisation’s intervention as timely and crucial in the collective fight against Gender-Based Violence.
She expressed appreciation for the visit and assured the delegation of the ministry’s willingness to collaborate in advancing initiatives aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of women and girls.
The commissioner further disclosed that she would brief the Wife of the Governor and First Lady of Abia State on the outcome of the engagement to explore possible areas of collaboration with the organisation.
Earlier, the WINET team presented details of its “Strengthening Women Rights Organizations for Gender-Based Violence Prevention” project, which is supported by the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement (AIPLA).
The organisation explained that the project seeks to strengthen coordinated efforts among stakeholders towards preventing and responding effectively to Gender-Based Violence.
WINET reaffirmed its commitment to building strategic partnerships with government institutions and other stakeholders to promote gender equality, combat violence against women and girls, and create safer communities where they can thrive.
The advocacy visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the organisation to mobilise support for stronger policies, programmes and institutional responses aimed at ending Gender-Based Violence in Abia State.