UN Launches Women’s Coalition On Covid-19 Response,Recovery Efforts In Kaduna

-Sets collaborative framework,inaugurates implementation committee

– commends Kaduna state’s affirmative action

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA – The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women,(UN Women) in partnership with the UK Government has launched the Women’s Coalition and presentation of its collaborative framework on Covid-19 response and recovery efforts in Kaduna state.

The Coalition which was launched on Thursday had membership drawn from state and non- state actors cut-accross the state government,Civil societies organizations,private sector and women organizations among others

Shortly after the inauguration of the coalition,an implementation committee was constituted to oversee its activities.

Speaking the Deputy Representative,UN Women, Mr Lansana Wonneh,while commending Kaduna state for its gender affirmative action,said the essence of event is to strengthen the state capacities and women’s participation in covid-19 response and enhancing broader Peace building initiatives.

According to him,with the State having a woman as Deputy Governor and heading the Covid-19 task force,it attests to the government gender friendly status and commitment to make sure the state succeeds owing to the fact that “women make significant contributions in all aspects of human endeavour”

He maintained that, we can only make progress in the country when there’s equality in the distribution of political, social,religious and economic power,thereby advocating for women empowerment,noting further that women were the worst hit on the impact of covid-19.

He observed the imbalance in the composition of women in the NCDC and further lamented why women make less than 5 percent at the National Assembly, considering that they are over 75 percent of the Country’s population.

In her keynote address the Deputy Governor,Hajia Hadiza Balarebe, represented by Barr.Rabi Adamu, commended the convener of the coalition and the efforts of all members of the coalition for the response of the new wave of covid-19 in the state “we are here today to officially launch the Women’s Coalition for Covid-19 response and to present the framework that will guide the activities of this group.

“The birth of this organisation will, doubtlessly, advance the ongoing campaign to give women the place they deserve in leadership and decision-making positions.”

She said”on a global scale, concerns on the plight of women and girls are gaining ascendency and eliciting significant responses that are changing the landscape. Both states and non-state actors are uniting in voicing out support towards ending all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, advocating for their equal rights and advancing their political, economic and social empowerment.

” Though the outcomes are appreciable, the progress is uneven and still below expectation. This is despite the evidences showing that societies where women participate in the economy advanced faster and experience accelerated growth as compared to those who exclude them

According to her” Government in Kaduna believes in this and has demonstrated that women are capable of holding high and sensitive decision-making positions. Our Governor demonstrates trust on women and has given many women opportunities to contribute to the development of the State,

She noted further that “as countries of the world continue to carry out Covid-19 response, the call for gender equality and inclusion remains as relevant as ever.

” In keeping with its principles of the current Government of Kaduna State, women have continued to drive our all Covid-19 response and interventions from the beginning of the outbreak to date.

“The birth of the Women’s Coalition for the new wave of Covid-19 response will provide another layer of support to government in stemming the tide of Covid-19 and its attendant effects on public health and in pursuing recovery

“You can count on our support. Kaduna State Government believes in partnership and collaborations. So, our doors are always opened to work with organisations like yours for the development and promotion of the welfare of our people. This perfectly aligns with our development agenda of putting people first, making lives better and leaving no one behind.

She further commended the leadership and members of the women’s coalition for the new wave of Covid-19 response for the initiative,saying” I also want to thank the UN women for facilitating the birth of this initiative, which I believe will make a positive impact a achieve its objectives”she stressed

In the same vein,Hon Comfort Amwe,only female member in the Kaduna state House of Assembly,while appreciating UN Women organization for the initiative called for more capacity building for women,who she noted are left behind

She further observed that women are always at the receiving end,evident by the impact of Covid-19 pandemic,cases of domestic violence and rape. While canvassing for strong punitive measures to deter rapists,she pledged to support the coalition to achieve its mandate.

On her part, the commissioner,Humanitarian Services and social Development, Hajia Hafsat Baba,highlighted her ministry’s committed in complimenting the Government efforts in the fight against covid-19 through frequent reports and updates by standing committees and the 23 local government areas of the state.

She hoped the Coalition would be sustained even after Covid-19 pandemic,Pointing out that as a proud member they should rest assured of her unreserved support to make the coalition succeeds. She however called for on all and sundry to continue to observe the Covid-19 protocols,as the disease is still with us.

It should be noted that the coalition among other things would be involved in advocacy at all levels, respond to gender based violence, ensure knowledge sharing, economic responses and path way to development.

The launch attracted Representatives of CAN,JNI,Kaduna State Peace Commission,faith based organizations, CSOs among others.