DTSG Deepens Commitment To Gender Equality

 …Inaugurates UN Women Co-Ordination Mechanism

BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU

AS part of global efforts to achieve Goal 5 of the Sustainable Devel­opment Goals (SDGs), which focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Pat Ajudua, has reaffirmed the state government’s firm commitment to eradicat­ing gender-based violence (GBV), a persistent and devastating issue that con­tinues to affect women and girls across Nigeria.

Hon. Ajudua made this known during the inaugura­tion and award ceremony of the United Nations Women Coordination Mechanism forum, Delta State chapter, held at the Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba. Address­ing a gathering of women leaders, civil society groups, and development partners, she emphasised the need for women to take ownership of the empowerment oppor­tunities presented through the forum and related UN Women programmes.

She urged participants to not only absorb the knowl­edge from the training ses­sions, but to apply what they learned in their local governments and non-gov­ernmental organisations, noting that the real impact of the initiative lies in its grassroots implementation.

Hon. Ajudua stressed the importance of mindset transformation, stating that women must learn to make effective use of even limited resources. With the right orientation and determina­tion, she said, women can manage small-scale support from government or private partners to build sustain­able livelihoods, support their families, and uplift others within their com­munities.

She called for ongoing collaboration among wom­en, development actors, and local stakeholders to ensure that every woman in Delta State is empowered to live free from violence and discrimination, equipped with the skills and support needed to thrive.

Also speaking at the event was the Executive Director of Walking Fingers International Initiative, Co­ordinator of the Association Against Child, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and the Civil Society Represen­tative for the UN Women Coordination Mechanism in Delta State, Amb. Eris Jewo- Ibi, described the inaugura­tion as a major milestone in the ongoing struggle for gender equality and wom­en’s rights in Nigeria.

Ambassador Jewo-Ibi ex­plained that the UN Women Coordination Mechanism was launched nationally a year ago in Kalimba and is domiciled in the Ministry of Women Affairs. Under her leadership, the Delta State chapter has gained national recognition as the most effectively coordinated in the country, a success she credited to her extensive background in grassroots activism and civil society leadership.

According to her, the Gen­der Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE), connects professional wom­en, grassroots groups, and networks under a unified structure to promote gen­der equality through col­laboration and collective advocacy. Attendees at the inauguration were tasked to replicate the structure within their local govern­ments, establishing chap­ters that will drive locally led empowerment initiatives.

Amb. Jewo-Ibi used the oc­casion to dispel misconcep­tions about gender equality, noting that the movement is not about challenging men or seeking superiority but about advocating for equal opportunity. She explained that empowering women to lead, earn, and contribute does not diminish the role of men but enriches families and communities.

She called on society to acknowledge the inherent worth and capabilities of women, saying, “Both men and women are equally cre­ated and gifted. The woman is talented. The woman is knowledgeable. The woman has so much to offer. Her rights must be protected, and her voice must be heard.”

The event also featured the presentation of awards to individuals and organi­sations that have shown unwavering dedication to ad­vancing gender equality and promoting women’s rights in Delta State. Among the awardees were community leaders, local government representatives, and private supporters who, despite limited funding, have consis­tently provided platforms for women’s empowerment and inclusion.