One thematic area in Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) that focuses on the advancement of the economic, political and social status of women is Women Empowerment.
The objectives include creating an enabling environment for the economic empowerment of Akwa Ibom women, addressing barriers to women’s effective participation as well as advocacies against harmful traditional practices.
A statement from the Media Unit, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, said in one year, GIFA has carried out several programmes targeted at covering all the strategies covered under the women empowerment thematic area. From Gender – inclusive Financing where women entrepreneurs have received funds to improve their financial base and expand their capital to the Eka Iberedem Hub that brings together women from rural communities in clusters to receive training on branding and other strategic support skills needed to take their quality products from informal to formal markets.
Young girls and widows are also considered under GIFA’s period poverty intervention were girls from public secondary schools across the state have received sanitary pads and trainings on hygiene, while widows have been treated to sessions of mindset changes to equip them to thrive in a world where survival is daily becoming challenging.
Ahead of the first anniversary of GIFA on February 20, Groups and Organisations have pitched in with their support for the project which is focused on enhancing family lives.
At the heart of the many interventions and programmes of GIFA is the involvement of partners who share in our vision to transform lives across board.
The team visited the Special Education School for Children with special needs in Uyo.
One of such partnerships have been registered by Nigervolt Limited, a major player in the renewable energy industry specializing in solar energy solutions, electrical system automation and energy storage and power optimisation.
A delegation from NigerVolt comprising the COO Joseph Daniel and Mfoniso Bassey John recently visited the Office of the Akwa Ibom First Lady and were received by the coordinator Lady Helen Eno Obareki where the discussions centered around the installation of a renewable solar system with one year free post installation maintenance services at the Special Education School for Children with special needs in Uyo.
They have also donated an all – in – one Solar Energy System to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply to be installed in the residence of an elderly person in a rural community or female entrepreneur to be selected by the First Lady Designate as beneficiary.
Responding to the donation, Lady Obareki thanked NigerVolt for their support to GIFA, reiterating her commitment to partnership that works for Akwa Ibom people, thus providing them with opportunities to better their lives.
Already the team from NigerVolt have visited the Special Education Center for children with special needs for pre installation activities.
They were received by the Principal of the School EmemAbasi Isaac, who conducted them and a team from the office of the First Lady, round the school.
