NGO takes violence against women campaign to Bayelsa communities

Nongovernmental Organisation (NGO), Fostering Achievement of Community Empowerment (FACE) Initiative, has organised stakeholders’ workshop for women leaders across some Communities in Bayelsa State to campaign against violence on women. According to the organisers, the 16 days activism on non violence against women, held at the Martho Crystal hall in Yenagoa, at the weekend was part of activities to mark the 2018 celebration. Executive Director of FACE Initiative, Mr. Inatimi Odio, and other keynote speakers at the stakeholders’ workshop, pointed out that for women to be liberated, especially to curb violence, empowerment, training and meaningful engagement remains key to unlock their potentials in the world of possibilities. He added that the rising trend of rape, child abuse, cultism, harmful widowhood practices topped the focus of the meeting as women leaders gathered to discuss these burning issues and chat a way out to non violence. After the meeting the issues on the communiqués includes, the need for community chiefs and leaders to promulgate laws and punishment against anyone found capable of gender base violence, and also set up community vigilante for more security. There should be equal gender representation for both oil and government meetings, adding that women need to take responsibility. Proper representation of women during oil pollution activities and otherwise, noting that youth empowerment will curb oil vandalization in the communities if they are well involved. The women from the rural areas in the eight Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State also highlighted the challenges of flooding, erosion and other environmental impacts as it affects their daily livelihood. The communities are Ikarama, Kalaba, Ayamabele, Freetown, Otuoge 2, Otuasega, Oruma, Igbematoru 1&2, Agbobiri, Aluminium. Akam James, Yenagoa