The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen and NAWOJ executives at the launch of NAWOJ National Secretariat. Photo Credit Nkiru Okeke/ Radio Nigeria
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen wants women journalists to remain resolute in deepening reportage of women participation in governance and developmental issues.
The minister stated this at the commissioning of the NAWOJ National Secretariat and launch of the Women’s Voices and Leadership Project (WVL) organized by the Action Aid Nigeria in partnership with NAWOJ in Abuja.
Dame Tallen who commended the partnership of NAWOJ and Action Aid Nigeria towards the implementation of the WVL project across the country said the initiative would further boost economic empowerment and development of women in the country.
“I am so proud of NAWOJ for being the women voice, supporting women and addressing the challenges we are facing particularly in the political sphere because NAWOJ and FIDA are the voice of the voiceless in defending the voiceless and ending Gender Based Violence.”
Earlier in her remark, the National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala expressed believe that the partnership with Action aid would amplify actions towards women issues, build institutional capacity and leadership role among women groups
“Now NAWOJ is going to engage other development partners because we now have a structure and are working on a financial system, built on transparency and accountability to be an effective financial organisation.”She added
Also, the Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria, Mrs Ene obi expressed confidence in the Partnership with NAWOJ, highlighting the importance of having an effective organizational structure aimed at promoting development of women issues.
“We also have 30 women led Projects in terms of GBV and others, and we are trying to see how we can secure places for women to include those who have energy can work and raise the voices of women.”
Both past and present Presidents of NAWOJ, as well as other dignitaries such as FIDA, She forum Africa and UN Women took turns to make presentations, reiterating their commitment in promoting an inclusive and peaceful Nigeria through women empowerment and gender equality.
The event ended with a 3 day training for board members and some Executives of NAWOJ state chapters for effective implementation of the project.
Reporting by Nkiru Okeke; Editing by Julian Osamoto