By Ovie smith, Yenagoa
The Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN) on Monday carried out a comprehensive sensitization campaign at Agudama Market in Bayelsa State, combining civic education with health and human rights advocacy.
The campaign team moved from stall to stall, engaging traders, shoppers, and passersby on the importance of registering to vote ahead of the next elections.
They explained registration procedures, pointed out nearby registration centers, and urged residents to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs),special emphasis was placed on the critical roles women and youth play in promoting credible and peaceful elections.
Market leaders commended the initiative and pledged to mobilize more community members to register and actively participate in the democratic process.
During the outreach, Eunice Nnachi raised concern over the alarming rise in human trafficking and the illicit practice of egg harvesting, she described both as grave human rights violations that prey on vulnerable groups, especially women and young girls.
According to her traffickers often lure victims with false promises trapping them in forced labour sexual exploitation or dangerous medical exploitation she called for vigilance, stronger legislation, and collective community action to tackle these crimes.
In another session, Elizabeth Joseph highlighted the importance of menstrual hygiene, stressing its impact on women’s health dignity, and confidence, she advocated for greater access to clean sanitary products safe water and accurate information to dispel myths and stigma, noting that improved menstrual hygiene not only promotes gender equality but also increases school attendance among girls.
Also speaking, Ebizimo Agedah advised residents to take proactive measures against Monkeypox by getting vaccinated,she emphasized that prevention is more effective and affordable than treatment, noting that early vaccination significantly reduces the risk of outbreaks and saves lives.
Addressing the issue of gender based violence (GBV), Solomon Simon, a national youth service corps (NYSC) member and HeForShe advocate, explained the different forms of GBV, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. He called for greater community awareness, stronger victim support systems, and united action to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence.
The multi faceted campaign ended with a collective call for residents to be active citizens safeguarding their rights health, and dignity while contributing to the growth of a just, inclusive, and democratic society.
