Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, is seeking training for women development in Nigeria and other countries through robust gender mainstreaming policies, programmes, and laws that will protect women and other vulnerable persons from abuse.
The governor stated this in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IDW), celebrated every March 8, by the United Nations.
He urged developing countries to prioritise women development to unleash their potential.
The governor said that this year’s theme for the celebration, think equal, build smart, innovate for change, is not only apt but aligns with the state government’s enduring policies on gender balance and equality.
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“The celebration is something we look forward to every year because we value our women in Edo and we have worked to empower them.
“We have demonstrated this by appointing an adviser on gender and assistants in all the local government areas of the state to interface with women and ensure that their affairs are brought to the limelight.”
The governor also said that the state government has enacted the Violence Against Persons (VAP) law to mitigate abuse in homes and protect vulnerable people in society, stressing, “we are very particular about violence against persons in Edo state because we care about our people dearly.
“That is why with the VAP, women and other vulnerable persons will be protected by the law.
“We have empowered women through science and technology, by training them on innovation and technology at the Edo innovation hub.
“At the same time, we are opening up space for women to participate in development by expanding for representation and participation through our Ward Development Committees (WDC),” he said.
