Gombe NGOs advocate women empowerment, political participation

By: Najib Sani, Gombe

Non governmental organisations in Gombe State under the aegis of ‘Association of NGOs’ (ANGO) have advocated increased investment in programmes that provide women with access to education, vocational training, financial resources and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Director gender and social inclusion of the association, Gloria Usman, made the advocacy during the commemoration of this year’s International Women Day on Saturday organised by the state ministry of women affairs.

She said only when women are empowered that they can harness their full potentials and attain their goals.

She also advocated for increased representation of women in decisions making positions at all levels of government and civil society.

“We also emphasise the importance of ensuring women’s access to comprehensive healthcare services including maternal, healthcare, reproductive health services and mental health support”, she said.

State coordinator of Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Halima Mahadi re-echoed the NGOs’ call lamenting that among all the members in the state house of assembly and national assembly in the state, there is no female.

In her speech, the state commissioner for women affairs, Asma’u Iganus, pledged that the state governor Inuwa Yahaya is carrying women along in his administration and pledged more opportunities for the womenfolk for elective positions in the next elections.

On the prevalence of gender based violence in the state, she promised that the enacted laws such as child protection law and violence against persons prohibition act would be implemented fully by the state government.