Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kazeem Biriowo
Published on 2024-04-08 12:30:59
Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organization, has issued a plea to the Federal Government and policymakers to increase their investments in the health and well-being of women residing in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. This call was made during the Internally Displaced Women’s Conference held in Wassa to commemorate International Women’s Day 2024, as part of SWAG Initiative’s WeLead activities.
At the conference, Seyi Bolaji, the Communications Strategist of SWAG Initiative, delivered a talk on International Women’s Day, urging women to reflect on its global significance and stressing the importance of mutual support among women. She encouraged the women not to depend entirely on external assistance and highlighted their crucial roles in community and societal development. Seyi introduced the creed “invest in women,” to which the women responded with “Accelerate Progress” in their local language, as they affirmed their self-worth and capabilities.
The Women Leader of Wassa IDP Camp, Hafsat Hamman, expressed gratitude for the attendees’ significant turnout and emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained from the conference to their daily lives. A drama presentation focused on women’s empowerment followed, showcasing the need for women to engage in productive activities to support their families. The women shared stories of how SWAG Initiative had provided seed capital in the past, enabling them to start businesses and contribute to their families’ well-being.
Representatives from partner organizations, including Plan International, GEMHUB Initiative, and Shades of Us Africa, delivered messages of support and emphasized their commitment to women and girls’ empowerment. Maureen Torkula, the project Head for WeLead, highlighted the importance of addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights among women and girls in IDP camps through the WeLead project. Another dance presentation and testimonies from the women showcased the impact of SWAG’s empowerment schemes, enabling women to engage in petty trades and businesses to support their families.
As a call to action, the women from Wassa Internally Displaced Persons camp appealed to the government to revive the mobile clinic in the IDP Camp, which has been inactive for the past year. The women expressed gratitude for SWAG’s continuous investment and capacity building in the camp, leading to increased empowerment among women.
In conclusion, the SWAG Initiative’s efforts to empower women in IDP camps have been well-received and appreciated by the women themselves. The call for increased government support and investment in women’s health and well-being in IDP camps remains crucial, as highlighted during the Wassa Internally Displaced Women’s Conference. Through collective action and partnerships with organizations, the empowerment and well-being of women in IDP camps can be further enhanced.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
