Empower Women to Sustain Fight Against Gender-Based Violence — Protect the Child Foundation Urges Government
A Non-Governmental Organization, Protect the Child Foundation (PCF), with the support of the French Embassy, has called for the empowerment of women and girls as a sustainable strategy to reduce gender-based violence (GBV) across the country.
The Executive Director of the Foundation, Barrister Elizabeth Achimugu, made the call at the graduation ceremony of the Ebulejonu Mentorship, Skill Acquisition, and Empowerment Project held in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
Barr. Achimugu emphasized that many girls and women have suffered different forms of gender-based violence over the years, stressing the urgent need for empowerment to curb the menace.
“It is our collective responsibility to sustain the fight against all forms of gender-based violence in the country,” she said. “Many women and girls, including persons with disabilities who are vulnerable in our society, have suffered one form of abuse or the other. Empowerment is key to breaking this cycle.”
She noted that economic empowerment plays a critical role in reducing vulnerability to abuse.
“Poverty has a direct link to sexual and gender-based violence. When women and girls are economically empowered, they become independent, confident, and less likely to fall victim to exploitation,” Achimugu added.
“We are urging government and stakeholders to key into empowerment programmes that will give our girls a sense of purpose and belonging, just like what Protect the Child Foundation is doing today.”
She reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups in Kogi State and across Nigeria, saying the organization will continue to “bring smiles to the faces of the less privileged.”
Some of the beneficiaries, including Ojamalia Okpanachi and Grace Enenode Shehu, expressed gratitude to the Foundation for the opportunity to acquire valuable skills.
“This empowerment has changed our lives. We now have the skills and tools to start something meaningful,” Okpanachi said.
“We thank Protect the Child Foundation and the French Embassy for giving us a chance to be self-reliant,” added Shehu.
A total of 90 beneficiaries received start-up kits in cinematography, fashion design, photography, cosmetology, tailoring, catering, and make-up after completing three months of intensive training at minimal cost.
The programme, supported by the French Embassy, benefited participants from Idah and Lokoja Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
