Abia state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has charged Abia Women to remain alive to their responsibilities by doing their best especially in promoting gender- balance, inclusiveness and reminding every woman that they are valuable, powerful and deserving of every opportunity they wish to pursue.
Dr. Ikpeazu who stated this during the 7th Annual Women’s August Delegates Conference ( AWADEC) held at the International Conference Center, Government station layout, Umuahia on the theme, choose to challenge.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu who was represented by his deputy at the event, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu says his administration will continue to encourage, empower and support Abia Women to tackle inequalities discrimination and gender based violence among other challenges facing women in the society.
He expressed delight that the event provides a unique opportunity for Abia Women to mutually interact with one another and brainstorm on how to fashion out modalities and contribute to all efforts aimed at the common good of Abia womenfolk.
The chief host of the program, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu pointed out that Gender Based Violence has become a major challenge to women, while her office is responding to it in Abia State. She added that her office is making very robust interventions in the area of sexual and gender based violence and have a GBV data gathering system that is funded by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities and domiciled in Ministry of Women Affairs.
According to the first lady, her office is working on setting up their own Sexual Assault Referral Centre in the State, while several operational guidelines and documents are being rolled out in the GBV space to help social and case workers.
The keynote speaker, Professor Joy Ezeilo who spoke on the topic, “women, choose to challenge” called on the national assembly to amend gender reforms, adding that any law subjugating women to abuse is obnoxious and should be abolished.
She noted that women have recorded several success despite their challenges, while issues like gender based violence, rape among others call for attention.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Okey Ahaiwe pointed out that Mrs Okezie Ikpeazu has giving hope to Abia women through her projects and transforming Abia women. Ahaiwe stated that the August women conference will further spur Abia women to action.
Highpoint of the event were chorography presented by women, cultural displays, inauguration of Umuahia North chapter of Awadec cooperative society to mention but a few.
