By Bassey Bassey
Stakeholders within the gender space in Cross River have pledged their readiness for robust synergy with the state Ministry of Women Affairs in the quest to improve access to quality health care, ensure attainment of gender equity, social justice and capacity building especially for female gender.
Speaking separately during an interactive forum to evolve a strategic work plan for 2025 fiscal year, the partners comprising non governmental and civic society organizations, donor agencies as well as multi national conglomerate stressed that such collaboration is needed to guarantee optimum results with regards to set targets.
In her opening remarks at the event,the Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs,Edema Irom applauded participants for immense contributions and support culminating in the remarkable success recorded in the battle against gender based violence, exploitation of vulnerable population and other numerous programmes designed to provide a safe space for women and children in the society.
According to her:”This year is unique and strategic to us as a ministry and partners because it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Conference declarations. We shall be intentional about it because 30 years after the famous declarations,not much has been achieved particularly in sub-Sahara Africa.
” Challenges bordering around women and poverty, education, training, political emancipation, economic emasculation, plight of women in armed conflicts are still prevalent in our society”
She listed the focal points of the ministry for the year to include child development, protection and survival. Other events lined up for commemoration include International Day of the Boy Child, African Child and Girl Child, Day of the Rural Women, Widow’s Day and as well as 16 Days of Activism.
Speaking, the Gender Focal Person for Heartland Alliance, Patricia Undelikwo, said” Our calendar at Heartland Alliance has incorporated all state and international days celebrations. These events are part of our work plan,our posture demonstrate our commitment to effective collaboration and partnership with the state through the Ministry of Women Affairs”
Undelikwo highlighted Heartland Alliance’s comprehensive service package, programmes, and implementation strategies notable the Total Market Approach, which offers essential services, including
Laboratory test for accurate and reliable diagnostic services, Clinical Service offering quality medical care and treatment
as well as pharmaceutical services to guarantee effective supply of affordable medications and drugs as well as X-rays.
In her words”These services are designed to be accessible and affordable, ensuring that individuals can receive the care they need at affordable rates without financial stress’
Also speaking,the chairperson Nigerian Association of Social Workers,Cross River State Chapter,Dr Esther Uko revealed that the association has concluded plans to address the sanitary challenge in most public schools by building standard water cistern toilets in four selected schools beginning from Calabar,the State Capital.
She implored government to consider the employment of professionals as social workers in MDAs to enhance qualitative service delivery especially within the social service space.
Also speaking, Prof. Roibito Ekanem of Women in Action for Development and Gender Enhancement Centre revealed plans for the training of forty boys and girls in technological skills as part of capacity building programme of the organization for the year.
She lauded the commitment of the state government towards addressing gender related issues and sued for sustainable collaboration to attain common goals.
In their submissions Ndodeye Bassey of Girls Power Initiative and Edidiong Eshiet of the Red Cross reaffirmed the resolve of their respective institutions to vigorously pursue their mission objectives intended to safe guard vulnerable and displaced population, educating young girls and boys to stand up for their rights to guard against abuse and exploitations, while also promoting vocational skills training for self reliance.