Empower older women economically, centre tells government 

Centre for Gender Economics in Africa (CGE Africa) has called on government, private and corporate organisations, individuals to socially and economically empower elderly women to promote their wellness.

The centre made the call, yesterday, during the corporate social responsibility and commitment dinner to commemorate 2023 United Nations International Day for older persons.

CGE, which started a project in 2019 titled, ‘Promoting Socio-Economic Inclusion of Elderly Women through Well-being Parties’ aims at promoting social inclusion for elderly population. The centre started in three LGAs Shomolu, Yaba and Eti Osa LGAs. It started Wellbeing Groups in two communities including Itedo and Maiyegun.

Besides, the project is being funded by Global Affairs Canada through ActionAid Nigeria.
While delivering her address, the Executive Director of the centre, Mrs. Uchenna Idoko, said at old age women could no longer do what they did in their early age and expressed the need to take proper care of them.

She said CGE helped many women in Lagos, especially in Itedo communities and Mayegun communities of Oti Osa Lagos, during the pandemic.

“We started with four communities till we spread to other communities. We also wish the initiative could be extended to other communities in Lagos and across Nigeria.

“After the pandemic, we started bringing the elderly women together in groups to teach them about what to eat at their old age; we danced, played, and did some exercises,” she said.
Idoko added that women were going through a lot in the country, noting that in some communities, women were denied the right to own landed property as a cultural practice.
“Some of them are depressed due to abandonment and neglect, among other human rights abuses.”
Earlier at the event, the Programme Officer, Vivian Otti, said while delivering her welcome address that through the project, founded by the group, women have not only found companionship, but have also seen their lives flourish in many ways.