WAPA reiterates support to empower rural Women

 

By Idris Olukoya

Epe(Lagos State), Oct. 16, 2023 (NAN) The Lagos State Government through the Ministry  of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has reiterated its commitment in empowering rural women towards achieving sustainable development and eradicating poverty.

Mrs Bolaji Dada, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation stated this at a programme organised by WAPA on Tuesday to commemorate the International Day for Rural Women in Epe.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is mark every Oct. 15 globally to celebrate rural women.

The theme for the 2023 International Day for Rural Women is "Rural Women Confront Global Cost-of-Living Crisis".

Dada said that rural women have long been the backbone of our societies, contributing significantly to agricultural productivity, food security, and sustainable development.

She said:" We Join the rest of the world to celebrate  the rural women in recognition of the critical roles and contributions they play towards improving the agricultural, nutritional, socio-economic growth and the eradication of rural poverty in Lagos State.

 "The global food system hinges on the daily work of rural women which contributes to at least 50 percent  of the work force and yet they still suffer gender inequality,  less access to land among others.

"Rural women are farming specialists, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and community leaders, making invaluable contributions to the well-being of their families and communities. 

"it is essential to acknowledge that rural women face unique challenges and are disproportionately affected by the global cost-of-living crisis. 

"Empowering rural women is not just a moral imperative; it is also a critical step towards achieving sustainable development and eradicating poverty.

"As a government, we remain committed to amplifying these efforts and ensuring that rural women are provided with the necessary tools and resources to confront the cost-of-living crisis," she said.

The Commissioner added that WAPA through its various programmes had provided support to rural women across the state to empower them economically.

She noted that some of the support are education and training, access to funds, women agricultural programmes, access to technology and information among others.

Through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, we will continue to implement programmes and initiatives aimed at empowering rural women economically. 

"WAPA will not rescind on every activity that gives  rural women a voice and representation in decision-making processes, especially in promoting gender equality . 

"We have put up so many advocacies in virtually all interior communities in Lagos, areas like  Epe, Ese-Offin, Ilashe, Ibeshe, Irewe, Tabon-Tabon, Natty, Village , Ikorodu and Badagry, to empower rural women," she said.

NAN reports that women at the programme had f  free medical checkup on breast cancer, cervical cancer, blood pressure and random blood sugar  test.(www.nannews.ng) (NAN).

SIO

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