The Lumine News

Tag: #UNFPA

  • UNFPA, GADA Partners C’River Govt On Safe Space In Public Secondary Schools

    UNFPA, GADA Partners C’River Govt On Safe Space In Public Secondary Schools

     

    Cross River State Government has reinstated its commitment to partner any Non-Government Organisation that will support its effort in safe space environment, gender equality, gender equity and the pursuit of sustainable development and social justice in the state.

    The Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong stated this while commissioning the Safe Space supported by the UNFPA/GADA at the West African People Institute (WAPI) in Calabar.

    Asibong assured that the State Government will continue to engage partners to support such laudable initiatives in public schools, saying Safe Space has come to stay in the state.

    She described a Safe Space as a place or environment in which people, especially women and adolescent girls, can feel safe and confident knowing they will not be exposed to any form of discrimination, criticism, harassment or any other emotional or physical harm.

    The Commissioner concluded by commending UNFPA and GADA for their support towards the establishment and equipping of the Safe Space, charging the school’s principal on safeguard and judicious use of the items.

    Earlier in her remarks, the UNFPA/GADA Team Lead, Mrs Akon Bassey, noted that GADA is the implementing Civil Society Organisation (CSO) for the Spotlight initiatives programme with commitment to reduce gender inequality and provide opportunities for girls child, while creating awareness to curb child molestation and abuse of women in Nigeria.

    “Under the initiative in 2021, GADA established Safe Spaces within formal and non-formal settings in different secondary schools, including WAPI Secondary School and Henshaw Town Secondary School.

    This effort is in line with the Ben Ayade led Government’s resolve to ensure that school children study in a safe and secure environment free of all forms of violence” she explained.”

    In his remarks, the WAPI Principal thanked GADA, UNFPA and the State Government for their support and provisions of the items to the school.

    Along with the structure, office cabinets, chairs, dignity kits, generators, reading materials to ensure the comfort of survivors at the adolescent safe space were also donated amongst others.

  • Linda Ayade Joins Ministry Of Women Affairs To Commemorate 2022 IWD In Calabar

    Linda Ayade Joins Ministry Of Women Affairs To Commemorate 2022 IWD In Calabar

    By Margaret Asikong

    The wife of Cross River State Governor, Lady Dr Linda Ayade, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs (MOWA), have joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Women’s Day (IWD) recently in Calabar, with the theme: “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”.

    Speaking at the premises of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hope Waddel Avenue, Calabar, the venue for the celebration, the First Lady of the State, DrAyade said that it is an honour for her to be in the company of many amazing women on the special occasion of celebrating womanhood and reviewing their progress in the fight for freedom from stereotypes and discrimination that has gone on for many years.

    She stated that the theme for 2022 IWD focuses on breaking the bias against women and that they want a world where their uniqueness as women is valued as well as celebrated rather than for it to be opposed, despised and ignored, adding that they want a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, amongst others.

    She maintained that it is in pursuit of these goals that the UN Women aptly chose the theme for 2022 IWD.
    According to the Governor’s wife “Our society is better off when women get the opportunities they deserve. Our society has been deprived of certain advancements as a result of the woman being denied leadership opportunity and for many years this has been the status quo”, adding that, “Our plight as women in Nigeria is largely in our hands and whatever path we choose to follow will determine our ultimate end”.

    Dr. Linda Ayade lamented that among the sixty-eight proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution that members of the National Assembly had to vote on recently, only one out of the five gender equality bills passed, while the other four failed, adding that, about 95% men voted against some of the constitutional amendments that women want, such as; the right for a women to take indigene-ship of her husband’s state after five years of marriage, 35% affirmative action for women in party administration and leadership; 35% appointed positions to be reserved for women, specific seats to be allocated for women in the National Assembly and the right for a Nigerian woman to grant her foreign-born husband Nigerian Citizenship, yet, according to her, a Nigerian man’s foreign-born wife gets automatic citizenship.

    She maintained that having women in leadership position should become the norm and not the exception as many women have reached the apex of business conglomerates and banking institutions, while many seat on decision-making boards across the country and that excluding the woman from leadership positions is to exclude half of the country’s population from exercising their inherent talents and abilities. She however expressed joy that CRS is taking the lead in the political empowerment for women, with abundance of women at every strategic position in the state such as; the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Commissioner, Special Adviser, Director-General, Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Councilors, adding that, the narrative has changed, they have been strong in their fight for emancipation.
    She called on CRS women to become mentors to the younger generation that their daughters can look up to, teaching them by example to be assertive and also respectful; visionary, contented, hardworking and submissive to their husbands, amongst others, while applauding the women who have taken the bull by the horn on building a sustainable future for the young women.

    Lady Dr Ayade stated that her pledge to continue reaching women and the vulnerable in every LGA in the state with livelihood support and health inputs is real and that she has continued to redeem this across the state through the many activities and interventions of her NGOs – the Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF) and Cross River Women Emancipation Initiative (CROWEI).

    She used the occasion to express thanks to the organizations whose invaluable partnership has made their work impactful in various communities in Cross River and beyond such as; the United Nation High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN women, UNFPA, Lafarge Africa, United Purpose, amongst others, while also expressing thanks to all present, especially the women of CRS for their support, as she looks forward to achieving a gender-balanced CRS with their support and wished all a happy women’s day.

    Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Mrs. Tina Banku Agbor said that the IWD is a special day to celebrate themselves as women not as men. According to her, a house without a woman looks different and is not complete, for the woman’s role is complementary, while admonishing the men to allow the women to be equal even in leadership position, for with a woman they can always sleep with their eyes closed, adding that, the women are capable of discharging their duties and assigned responsibilities effectively and efficiently and will not betray the men, amongst other things.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Surv. Dr. Gertrude Nnanjah Njar, on behalf of the entire staff of CRS Ministry of Women Affairs welcomed the wife of the State Governor and members of her entourage, as well as distinguished guests, the women of CRS and all present to the 2022 IWD.

    According to her, the MOWA is the hub of great activities in the Ayade-led administration with its mandate to cater for the women and children and that it has gone to the level of catering for the men as well as they are part of the women and society, hence the less traffic of complaints to the Office if the Wife of the Governor.
    She maintained that March 8, is always a great day for the women and girls internationally and that the women of CRS are joining their counterparts globally for the celebration of the great day set aside for women since 1917 after the Soviet-Russia women protest for the right to vote and be voted for, while lamenting that 105 years later, the women are still agitating for gender equality for a sustainable tomorrow.

    Surv. Dr. Gertrude Njar stated that women have strategic objectives and goals especially to groom leaders for tomorrow; create more successful entrepreneurs; create employment and wealth for women and girls, connect communities and build an ecosystem where everyone will connect digitally, share knowledge, as well as build communities for the future.

    In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of Calabar South LGA, Hon (Mrs) Esther Bassey, her counterpart in Odukpani LGA, Ntukai Hon (Mrs) Justina Edem and the Vice Chairman of Bakassi LGA and President of CROWEI, Eti-Eka Lawrencia Ita (JP) also lend their voices to congratulated all the women who have excelled in their chosen fields and expressed appreciation to Lady Dr Ayade and her dear husband for ensuring that many women are being brought into the Ayade-led administration , adding that, it is high time they showcase their God given talents, amongst other things.

    Highlights at the event included; presentation of award to Dr Linda Ayade, award of prizes to the winners of the march past, with Odukpani LGA taking the 1st position, Calabar South, 2nd position and Calabar Municipality taking the 3rd position respectively; goodwill messages, from UNFPA, NIDF, GADA, FIDA, MWA, CCCRN, NCF, GPI, amongst other partners, cultural displays, group photographs, amongst others.

  • UN, CRSG Signs 2021/2022 United Nations ‘Delivery As One’ Work Plan

    UN, CRSG Signs 2021/2022 United Nations ‘Delivery As One’ Work Plan

    By Elijah Ugani

    The United Nations and the Cross River State government has jointly signed the 2021/2022 Work Plan.

    The Country Rep of the United Nations Population Agency UNFPA, Ms Ulla Elisabeth Mueller thanked Governor Ben Ayade for the opportunity and time created for the signing of the work plan and commended the collaboration from the Cross River State Government for the development of the work plan.

    Mueller noted that “Cross River State is one of the leading states in the implementation of the Delivery as One project in Nigeria. It has been an interesting journey working with Cross River State in the past years.

    “Cross River State has dynamic youths who want to contribute to the building of this country despite the challenges confronting them.

    “The UN has moved to support you to overcome these seemingly myriad of challenges. During implementation, your team and the UN team will prioritize and ensure that every body gets the services that will be rendered”

    On his part, Governor Ben Ayade commended the UN for the passion shown to Nigeria, particularly the challenges of Covid19 and the security within the Niger Delta region.

    Ayade noted that “the choice of Cross River State for implementing all of these programs is not a surprise to us. Our concern is that we need to find time to sit on a table to share our concerns and find a sustainable way to addressing these concerns.

    “I am particularly grateful because you are here to assist me deliver on my core mandate as Governor because your areas of delivery speaks to my core mandate. Our youths come out of school without job placement and that is why we line up industries to address unemployment in the state as well as expanded government to accommodate the interest of the youths.

    “We started the Welding and Fabrication Academy, we will graduate our first batch in a couple of weeks from now, let’s see how we can incorporate them into this plan and see how we can provide basic start up kits for them.

    “While I commend your dexterity to assist our state, I hope to see the change that will be associated with this humanitarian intervention”

    The Governor seized the opportunity to commend the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong for her resilience and commitment to ensuring the coordination of UN activities in the State.

    Earlier, the Commissioner, MIDC, Dr Inyang Asibong commended efforts made by the UN Agencies working in Cross River State with UNFPA as the lead agency for the various interventions under the Delivery as One.

    Asibong mentioned key result areas for the intervention to include:
    a) Governance, Human Right, Peace and Security
    b) Equitable Quality Basic Services and
    c) Sustainable and Inclusive Growth and Development.

    The Cross River State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Tanko Ashang signed the work plan on behalf of the Cross River State Government while the UNFPA Country Rep, Mrs Ulla Elisabeth Mueller signed for the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Martins Orim led other government functionaries to witness the signing, while the Head of Calabar Office of UNFPA, Dr Aliyu Yakubu led other UN agencies in Cross River State.

  • C’River Receives Spotlight Initiative Monitoring Team Report From UN, Fed Govt, Records Huge Success

    C’River Receives Spotlight Initiative Monitoring Team Report From UN, Fed Govt, Records Huge Success

     

    Following the launch of the Spotlight Initiative on July 12th, 2019 by Cross River State Governor, Senator Prof Ben Ayade to tackle Gender Based Violence (GBV) mitigated against women and girls
    in the state, the joint mission team of the United Nations (UN) and the federal government embarked on a 3-day monitoring visit to the state from August 16th – 19th, 2021 to meet with the implementing partners and Civil Society Organizations (CSO).

    The delegation assessed level of progress and presented her joint mission report to the state government with many positive impacts. The joint monitoring team’s visit sought to enhance ownership, transparency and to achieve better results backed by evidence-based data for progress monitoring and to provide recommendations to be used in effective delivery.

    According to the Commissioner for International Development Coporation, Dr Inyang Asibong, the Spotlight Initiative is currently being implemented in three pilot LGAs in the state with high prevalence rate of GBV, which are Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Obanliku. The key implementing partners are the government and Civil Society Reference groups with intervention focus on six mutually-reinforcing pillars which include laws and policies, institutions, prevention, services, data, and CSOs/Women’s Movement.

    Spotlight Initiative, the world’s largest human rights movement is a multi-year partnership between the European Union and United Nations targeted at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls with a particular focus on domestic and family violence, sexual violence and harmful practices, femicide, woman trafficking and economic exploitation by 2030.

    Spotlight Initiative is administered by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office with support from five core UN mission Agencies which include UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN-WOMEN and UNESCO along with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning, the state Ministry of International Development Corporation, Ministry of Women Affairs and the UN Regional Coordinator’s Office.

    Some of the sites toured during the 3-day working visit are the Gender Department of the Force Police Headquarters Calabar,
    Ministry of International Development Coporation, Ministry of Women Affairs,
    Ancestral Clan in Uwanse Calabar, Ikpai Community in Big Qua Calabar, Vesicovaginal Fistula Unit of the General Hospital Calabar, FIDA Office Calabar, Ministry of Justice Calabar, Ministry of Humanities and Social Welfare Calabar, Safe Space, WAPI Secondary School Calabar, Girls Power Initiative, Agency for Adults and Non Formal Education among others.

  • UNFPA Has Been Supportive To C’River Govt, Deputy Governor Affirms

    UNFPA Has Been Supportive To C’River Govt, Deputy Governor Affirms

    By Admin

    The Cross River State deputy governor, Professor Ivara Esu has expressed delight at the activities of the United Nations Population Fund, (UNFPA). He said the UN agency has been a great support to Cross River State.

    He made the remarks while launching the 2021 UNFPA State of the World Population (SWOP) Report held at the State Government’s Exco Chambers in Calabar. He appreciated the UN for their support in different areas of their mandate.

    He particularly said that “UNFPA has been consistent in working towards ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet needs for family planning and ending all forms of Gender Based Violence and harmful practices against women and girls.”

    The deputy governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Tina Agbor Banko opined that Cross River State will not relent in rolling out support for the UN body in achieving her dreams in the state.

    He said: “Today as we launch UNFPA’s flagship report on the State of the World Population (SWOP), it is pertinent to reiterate the State Government’s position and commitment in joining hands with relevant agencies to ensure that Cross River State is free from harmful practices against girls and elimination of sexual violence and other inequalities.

    “From the report, it shows that hundreds of millions of women and girls around the World do not own their bodies and their lives are governed by others. In Cross River, the practice of ‘money marriage’ has been abolished as our girls in the northern part of the state are no more subjected to such a practice. Ours is an inclusive agenda to ensure that the rights of our women and girls are protected hence the involvement/interaction with our traditional institutions to give it the much needed attention it deserves.”

    He used the medium to appreciate UNFPA for their support and commitment to the healthcare of Cross Riverians through the provision of medical supplies, upgrading of the School of Midwifery and the Fistula Centre at the General Hospital in Calabar and for establishing and equipping of youth friendly centres in the state which he affirmed to have served as safe spaces for the young people.

    Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, the UNFPA Head of Cross River Sub-Office, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin said UNFPA is working towards achieving 3 transformative goals by 2030. He noted that the SWOP report is an annual report published by UNFPA.

    In his words: “The State of the World Population Report is a publication that is launched by UNFPA every year since 1978. In the report, we seek to draw attention to reproductive health, where we highlight issues that concern the health of women and girls. For this year we’re looking at the bodily autonomy of the women because we believe that it’s a fundamental human right for every women and for every girl to own their own body and decide what they want to do with their own body.

    “It also seeks to bring the attention of the World that issues like female genital mutilation and cutting should be avoided because it has not only medical implications, it has physical implications and but it’s is also a violation of the fundamental human rights of the girl”.

    In her goodwill message, the Commissioner, Ministry of International Donor Corporation, Dr Inyang Asibong lauded UNFPA for being a formidable tool in ensuring that issues affecting women in the state are brought to the barest minimum. She added that the ministry will always support the team whenever the need arises.

    The theme for the 2021 SWOP report is, “My body is my own: claiming the right to autonomy and self-determination”. The report shows that Gender-unequal norms and attitudes lead to power imbalances in relationships that restrict women’s decisions, particularly when it comes to saying no to sex.

    It also reveals that patriarchal beliefs often translate into expectations that women defer to their husbands or partners in all aspects of their lives, including their sex lives, adding that these expectations may not only mean that a woman should always
    engage in sex whenever her husband wants it, but also that she should not initiate sex or openly express her desires.

  • UNFPA Donates 1297 Dignity Kits To CRSG For Refugee Settlements in Ogoja

    UNFPA Donates 1297 Dignity Kits To CRSG For Refugee Settlements in Ogoja

    By Elijah Ugani

    UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

    The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as part of its resolve to support the Cross River State Government to cater for the welfare of the Cameroonian Refugees in the state, has donated 1297 dignity kits to refugees in the settlements in Ogoja to help women and girls maintain their dignity during humanitarian crises.

    The dignity kit is a collection of different items: reusable sanitary pads, rechargeable solar lamp, omo detergent, medicated soap, female underwear, rubber slippers and blankets.

    Presenting the dignity kits to the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Head of UNFPA Calabar Sub Office, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin (represented by FGM Analyst- Ms Theresa Adah) noted that UNFPA is pleased to identify with the plight of the Cameroonian Refugees, as he commended the effort of the Cross River State Government and UNHCR to alleviate the plight of the refugees and stressed that the gesture is in consonant with the ‘delivery as one’.

    The Head of Calabar Sub Office averred that the focus of distribution of the dignity kits was on girls and women of reproductive age as well as other vulnerable women (such as women living with disabilities, women living with HIV and the elderly who may be the most vulnerable).

    She used the occasion to appeal to other refugees especially the male folks to bear with UNFPA at the moment.

     

    Receiving the Items on behalf of State Emergency Management Agency Director General, Mr. Princewill Ayim, the SEMA Supervisor for Adagom 1 settlement, Mr. Hillary Agida commended UNFPA for the donation and promised to work with UNHCR to ensure the successful distribution of the kits to the beneficiaries.

    Mr. Princewill Ayim, DG, State Emergency Management Agency, also used the opportunity to thank UNFPA for all the interventions in the state that seek to address the plight of Cross Riverians, and by extension the Cameroonian Refugees.

    He maintained that “Cross River State under the leadership of Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade will continue to do its best for the Cameroonian Refugees”.

    Responding on behalf of the refugees, the Chairman, Relief Support and Crisis Management, Mr. Lawrence Eno thanked UNFPA for the support and averred that the gesture will support girls’ and women’s self-esteem and confidence to be able to participate in activities in the settlements. The solar lights, he says “will help our children read at night”.

    This donation of dignity kits comes barely one month after UNFPA organized a one-week training to increase the knowledge, skills and professional competencies of state and non-state actors to provide effective services to Gender Based Violence survivors in humanitarian settings.

  • UNFPA Partners CRSG, Holds Training On Gender Based Violence In Emergencies

    UNFPA Partners CRSG, Holds Training On Gender Based Violence In Emergencies

    By Izukah Favour

    The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Cross River State, organized a 4-day training programme on Gender based Based violence Violence in Emergencies (GBViE), to cushion the effects of the increasing number of people affected by gender based violence in the world, particularly in Cross River State.

    The training which was held at Danic Hotels, Calabar for four days, (April 26th, 2021 to April 29th, 2021) had in attendance major stakeholders and service providers responding to cases of GBV in the state.

    According to UNFPA, the aim of the training was “to increase the knowledge, skills and professional competencies of state and non- state actors to provide effective services to GBV survivors in humanitarian settings”.

    During the training, selected facilitators addressed participants on Gender gender based violence, approaches to gender based violence as well as effective ways to handle cases of gender based violence in the field.

    Speaking during the training, the UNFPA FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) Analyst Ms. Theresa Adah, reiterated the need for cases of GBV to be treated as urgent.

    According to her, Gender gender based violence is a life threatening, global health and human issue that violates international law and the principles of gender equality.

    She stressed that failure to address cases of GBV with urgency will lead to a continuous cycle of violence.

    Ms. Adah hinted on the major factors contributing to the increasing cases of Gender gender based violence which she listed as; the make-up of the community/ communities and family systems, Gender gender inequality and discrimination.

    Participants were advised at the training that in delivering humanitarian services to cases of Gender gender based violence survivors, “it is important that protection of survivors is central”.

    Participants were also educated on their primary objective as humanitarian workers and service providers while handling cases of GBV, which is to “alleviate suffering, save lives and maintain human dignity.”

    The training however highlighted the community approach as a strategic way to reduce Gender gender based violence to its barest minimum.

    Speaking on the event and its partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Commissioner, Ministry of Women affairs, Mrs Rita Agbo Ayim, stated that the partnership between UNFPA and the ministry was very important especially as the number of gender based violence cases is on the increase in the state.

    She averred that the ministry is a mother umbrella and as such, collaborations and partnerships like this training, are always welcomed as they help the ministry to effectively carry out its function especially in addressing cases of gender based violence.

    “The Ministry of Women Affairs is the mother umbrella and we are expected to collaborate and work with all partners to ensure that the result is achieved”.

    Ayim advised perpetrators of Gender gender based violence to desist from the act as the law would not compromise in dealing with perpetrators.

    The Commissioner thanked UNFPA for the training as she maintained that the knowledge acquired would be used by participants to scale up their services in the field.

    She urged participants to ensure that they make use of the information learnt to effectively carry provide their services.

    “Let us ensure that the impact of this training is felt while we are at the field”. She added.

    Speaking during the training, The Head of Office, UNFPA Cross River Sub-office, Calabar, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin, stated that the reason for the training was due to increase in the cases of Gender based violence in the state.

    According to him, “one in 3 women have been assaulted globally by a close intimate partner”.

    Speaking further, he stressed that in Nigeria, the situation has increased due to the crisis in Cameron.

    “Particularly in Cross River State, we have a high number of survivors who have migrated from Cameron. Humanitarian workers and service providers in the field are facing so many challenges, hence, the need for the training.

    “We know that humanitarian workers face a lot of challenges trying to see to the needs of the refugees.

    “We decided that it was necessary for those who manage GBV survivors as well as refugees are well trained and that is why the training is very important”.

    He maintained that the training would help strengthen the capacities of humanitarian workers and GBV service providers in the state.

    He disclosed that UNFPA expects participants to train others who were not able to attend the training and put to practice what has been learnt.

  • Mediatrix Holds A One Day Training For Advocates And Social Media Influencers In Calabar

    Mediatrix Holds A One Day Training For Advocates And Social Media Influencers In Calabar

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF), under the Spotlight Initiative, held a one day training for advocates and social media influencers with the view to create awareness on Gender Based Violence and inspire advocacy towards eliminating violence against women and girls.

    Speaking at the training, at Treasure Land Hotels, Calabar on Friday, October 6th, 2020, the Chief Operating Officer of Mediatrix Development Foundation, Mr. Jeffrey Adamade charged the advocates to consider giving their best to engage the public with the view of ending all forms of violence against women and girls.

    Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world. It knows no social, economic or national boundaries.

    Worldwide, an estimated one in three children and women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime.

    Gender-based violence undermines the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its victims, yet it remains shrouded in the culture of silence.

    Victims of violence can suffer sexual and reproductive health consequences, including forced and unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, traumatic fistula, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, and even death.

    The training was aimed at increasing the use of social accountability mechanisms by civil societies order to monitor and engage the ending of VAWG/SGBV/HP efforts and promoting women and girls’ SRHR.

    The objectives of the training was as follows;

    To increase the capacity of 16 participants (8 in Calabar and 8 in Obanliku) to act as social media advocates in response to violence against women and girls in Calabar and Obanliku local government areas.

    To Foster discussions on existing laws in relation to GEWE/VAWG/SGBV/HP/SRHR

    To build Partnership and Networks for Knowledge Exchange with relevant stakeholders

    To Increase coordinated efforts to jointly advocate on GEWE/VAWG/SGBV/HP/SRHR

    To give regular feedback on updates on GEWE/VAWG/SGBV/HP/SRHR in Cross River state

    To Increase Capacity of Social Media Advocates on Various Social Media Handle and Reporting.

    To setup State Media Team to to jointly advocate towards GEWE/VAWG/SGBV/HP/SRHR in Cross River State.

    To improve participants knowledge on Gender Based Violence, types and effect in our communities.

    To transfer new knowledge and skills through experience sharing on Violence Against programs. (Success stories, challenges and lessons learned)

    The facilitators, Mr. Obase Okanke, took the participants through the various forms of violence against women and girls, while Mr. Valentine Bassey tutored them on the use of social media handles to report activities, awareness campaigns/sensitization and cases of gender based violence against women which increased their knowledge on GEWE/VAWG/SGBV/HP/SRHR, and Social Media Reporting.

    One of the participants of the training, Mr. Boniface from Obanliku thanked thanked Mediatrix for the initiative to train them and maintained that despite his knowledge of ICT, he was exposed to so many things especially, twitter and promised to put in his best in the advocacy using social media to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

    Social media handles were set up for participants to ease their work while working to end gender based violence against women and girls.

    A WhatsApp group for reporting was set up for the trained advocates.

  • Covid-19: UNFPA Donates PPEs And Other Items, Assured C’River Government Of UN Support

    Covid-19: UNFPA Donates PPEs And Other Items, Assured C’River Government Of UN Support

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    As part of the efforts and measures to combat the global pandemic, the United nation Population Fund Agency UNFPA, has donated Personal Protective Equipments PPEs including face masks, hand gloves, sanitizers and hand washing buckets with stands to the cross river state government to aid in the protection of health workers against any possible outbreak of Covid-19 in the course of performing their duties.

    The presentation was made by the Head of Calabar Sub Office, Mr. Kenneth Ehouzuo who commended the proactive preventive measures taken by the state government to contend the outbreak of Covid-19 in the state, however charged the state to step up measures to ensure that lives of the citizens are more protected, safe and secure at this challenging period.

    Ehouzou maintained that “UNFPA will continue to support the Cross River State with technical support in the fight against this dreaded pandemic”

    Ehouzou used the opportunity to called on the citizens of the state and the world at large to always be conscious of protective measures as outlined by both government and World Health Organization, so that collectively, the pandemic will be nipped on the bud.

    Receiving the equipments on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr. Inyang Asibong, thanked UNFPA for its continuous support to the state government under the leadership of Sir Ben Ayade.

    Dr. Asibong, used the opportunity to extend the readiness and disposition of the cross river state government to leverage on the technical, material and financial of UNFPA to better the state, pledged judicious use of the equipments provided to the health and wellbeing of it’s citizens.

    Recall that Dr. Asibong had served as Commissioner for Health in the last administration, has had the support of UNFPA in the development and implementation of most of the health programmes under her superintendent, some of which are, the ministry of health Operational Plan, the five years multi-operational plan for the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency among others.

    The United Nation Population Fund Agency UNFPA, has the mandate to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every child born is safe and every young person’s potentials is fulfilled.