Group advocates safe, secure environment for women, girl child

ANON Governmental Organisation ( NGO), Challenged Parenthood Initiative ( CPI), has emphasised the need for government at all levels to ensure a safe and secure environment for women and girl child to thrive in their chosen field in Nigeria.

Executive Director of the group, Eunice Abimbola Agbogun made the call in a meeting in collaboration with Mercy Corps, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Kogi Women Constituency Lead.

The event was titled: "First day Young Women Mentoring/ Intergenerational

Women’s Dialogue Towards Advancing Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Kogi State."

In her opening remark, she advised young girls to remain focused, avoid being distracted and take up the challenges of life, saying if other women can succeed, they can also succeed. She said: "In Kogi State, as in many parts of the world, women continue to confront a myriad of challenges on their journey towards equality, peace and security. "From systemic barriers to economic opportunities and political participation to pervasive gender- based violence and discrimination, the road to empowerment is fraught with obstacles."

She noted that in the face of adversity, women in our community have demonstrated unparalleled resilience, courage, and determination in their pursuit of a better future for themselves and future generations.

"It is against this backdrop of challenges and opportunities that we gather today to engage in dialogue, reflection and action.

"We recognise that achieving sustainable peace and security requires the active participation and leadership of women at all levels of society. We also acknowledge the pivotal role that intergenerational dialogue and mentorship play in nurturing the next generation of leaders and change- makers," she noted.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social development, Hajia Mrs. Fatima Momoh, said the meeting was aimed at mentoring young women and celebrating the accomplishments of women as well as address the critical issues surrounding women empowerment in the realm of peace and Security in Kogi State.

The Commissioner while describing the event as timely amidst insecurities challenges in the country, called on the girl child to believe in themselves and take cue from other women that have made their mark in Nigeria and beyond.