03:43
Chambermoore
Hon. Barr. (Mrs) Ngozi Njoku, The State Commissioner for Gender Affairs Social Development
Mrs Meg Obi, Director, Women Affairs
The Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development , (Barr) Mrs Ngozi Njoku at the weekend disclosed some of the key decisions taken at the just concluded 62nd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women across the globe, where Imo women whom she represented at the all-important event were mostly affected.
Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the international event on the return from the headquarters of the Commission, New York City, USA, the Commissioner who hinted that the session held annually had offered women from all over the world the opportunity to assemble at the headquarters which Nigeria is a member to deliberate on issues affecting them.
The Commissioner who was led in the Nigerian delegation by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Al- Hassan was accompanied by the duo of Imo State Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Barr (MRS) Alma Eluwa and President of National Council of women Society, said it became expedient considering the key role of the Media in the society to disclose the outcome of the event to ensure Imo women in particular were in tune with the issues concerning women globally.
Barr Njoku stated that the apex Women Assembly as its resolution, deemphasized the preference for male gender and advocated for a law of equal opportunity, noting that such discriminatory practices adversely affect the women. The Assembly, the Commissioner said, further harped on the importance of Gender mainstreaming in decision making process and budgeting.
She reported that the Violence Against Persons (VAPP) law was prominently discussed, where she observed the Assembly frowned at several horrific cases of violence against women. Also, the issues bordering on battering and rape were discussed and condemned according to her, Nations and States were urged to pass the law criminalizing the action, so to that offenders could be meant to face the full weight of the law, adding that to achieve such goal, her Ministry will soon launch toll free numbers to enable victims of Violence call for help. Making further disclosure, Mrs Njoku Said the Assembly advocated for establishment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) centres, Access to Health as well as Government universally encouraging Constitutional Provision for family inheritance by girls.
Other decisions include, discouraging and stamping out Female Genital Mutilation, early girl child marriage, while the Assembly was quoted to have emphasized on the need to giving girls access to quality education as enshrined in the Child Rights law.
The female Commissioner who was supported at the parley by Senior staff of the Ministry including Director Women Affairs , Mrs Meg Obi, Director Child Development, Mrs Pat Nsofor praised the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha for his free education and Gender friendly policies which she averred lifted the status of Imo women since the inception of Rescue Mission administration, expressing delight that such feat recorded by Governor earned him commendation at the Assembly, as Mrs Njoku applauded Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha for her supportive role in State among other achievements in the state.
The Commissioner therefore promised to partner with Nneoma Okorocha to implementing summary programmes generated from the United Assembly.
Social Media Aide
Ministry Of Gender Affiars and Social Development
