To implement the second phase of the Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria Project (WVLN), ActionAid Nigeria has commenced consultation with Global Affairs Canada to release an additional 15.75 million Canadian dollars to continue the struggle.
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The funding, ActionAid, noted will be an addition to the $10million previously provided by the Canadian interventionist unit for the implementation of the first phase of the project, implemented in six states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2019-2025.
Apart from the FCT, other states benefitting from the project include Enugu, Cross River, Kebbi, Bauchi, and Kwara State.
ActionAid Nigeria country Director, Andrew Mamedu, who disclosed the development in Abuja at the close-out ceremony of the WVLN project, noted that the additional sum if approved and released will encourage the organisation to further reach out to more women groups.
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According to Mamedu, during the first phase of the project, ActionAid worked with 100 women-led organisations and disbursed 191 grants to about 182 women-led organisations across 24 states, adding that the project also led to the formulation of 47 women’s rights legislations and influenced 190 women to become members in traditional leadership positions.
He maintained that the project has also supported 9,036 victims of gender-based violence survivors and other achievements.
He further revealed that the next phase will onboard more women’s rights groups, focus on widows, women with disabilities, and organisations led by young feminists.
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The Representative of the Canadian High Commission Jamie Christoff in her remarks noted that achievements in the project so far represent a significant milestone in empowering women by addressing sexual and gender-based violence, both online and physical, and enhancing their access to education, economic opportunities, and healthcare.
Christoff said: “These efforts are critical in overcoming major barriers to women’s full participation in political, social, and economic spheres, enabling them to lead, influence, and contribute meaningfully to all areas of society.
“We have seen encouraging and in some instances, historic participation of women in leadership positions in Nigeria.”
Christoff expressed concern over the election of few women into political offices, violence against women during and after elections, and rejection of gender policies, maintaining that the limited space for women in the economy remains a serious challenge.
According to Christoff, the development highlights persistent challenges women continue to face and confirms that more needs to be done in terms of advocacy and action to address the barriers.
Christoff maintained that the high commission will continue to ensure they incorporate a gender perspective in all their projects.
On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs Barrister Uju Kennedy expressed joy over the successful conclusion of the project, which she noted has brought acceleration on the increase of women’s voice, participation, and visibility in leadership positions.
She also commended Action Aid Nigeria for their support in the areas of violence against women and girls, women’s political participation, leadership, and negotiation skills to address overwhelming issues of governance in their communities, state, and the country.
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