Elizabeth Vincent, Yenegoa
Advocacy groups on friday marked this year’s international women’s day with a market outreach at Opolo market, aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and strengthening community support,the event, themed “Give to Gain,” brought together market women community members, and advocates who shared messages encouraging generosity unity, and collective responsibility in supporting women and children within society.
During the outreach members of the organisations interacted with traders and shared motivational messages highlighting the importance of women supporting one another and strengthening community bonds.
Speaking during the event, the executive officer of the Eunice Nnachi women advocacy foundation (ENWAF), lady Eunice Nnachi, urged mothers and intending mothers to protect their children and avoid practices that expose them to trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
“Lady Nnachi also emphasized the need for parents to guide their children away from harmful habits, particularly drug abuse, noting that early parental guidance and community vigilance are vital to ensuring that young people grow into responsible members of society.”
In her remarks, the executive director of the voice of the Ijaw girl child, Mrs. Timipre Tobi Ebiringa, encouraged women to embrace the spirit of giving and mutual support, she noted that women can achieve greater progress when they stand together and support one another in times of need.
According to her, the theme “Give to Gain” reflects the principle that acts of kindness and support within communities often yield long term benefits, especially for vulnerable women and young girls.
Also speaking, the Bayelsa state chairperson of the stand Up for women society (SWS), Mrs. Lib Inaingo Tobin-West, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting women’s welfare, empowerment, and active participation in community development, she noted that advocacy and awareness campaigns remain essential in addressing issues affecting women and girls, particularly in grassroots communities.
“Tobin-West also expressed appreciation to the collaborating organisations whose partnership made the outreach successful, describing the initiative as a demonstration of what can be achieved when advocacy groups work together for a common cause,the outreach ended with further engagement with traders and community members, reinforcing the message of unity, empowerment, and the protection of women and children.”
Other members of the organisations, including Mrs. Esther Tiemo, Mrs. Tina Dinikpete, and Mrs. Elizabeth Joseph, also spoke on the dangers of drug abuse,they stressed the importance of parents closely monitoring their children’s behaviour paying attention to the company they keep and maintaining open communication with them in order to prevent exposure to harmful substances.
Additionally, Mrs. Vivian spoke on simple hygiene practices, registration with the national identity management commission for the national identification number (NIN), and general wellness,she urged women to maintain healthy lifestyles keep their environments clean, and ensure proper documentation to enable access to social services and government opportunities.
