Among the most vulnerable in the society are the women folk. In emergency situations like the senseless killing of people and destruction of property by Boko Haram insurgents predominant in North Eastern part of Nigeria, women are grossly endangered in so many ways.
Cultural, customary, religious, physiological factors or a combination of them all come together to make women experience unimaginable difficulties. For instance the emotional bond that naturally exists between a child and nursing mother is usually so intense that it is often unlikely for mothers to run and escape from life-threatening instances commonly encountered in troubled zones. Hence, many women lose their lives or get maimed in an effort to safe-guard their babies. Similarly, a pregnant woman with all the stress and sensitivities that go with child bearing will certainly see living hell in an insurgency stricken environment.
The cultural and religious inclination that often excludes women from certain economic activities and makes them dependent on their husbands implies that when there is crisis that kills or takes away their bread winners, extreme hardship easily creeps into their household. Generally, women’s crucial role in the overall existence of the society makes it most compelling to accord them pride of place. Stubborn men tend to come to their senses, settle down and build family when they take up women as marriage partners. Child bearing, up-bringing and the entire value chain of care are naturally dominated by women in households that one wonders what life would have been without them. It is in realization of this indispensable role that it is often said that “If you train a man you trains a person but if you train a woman you train a nation”.
In view of this, there has been growing concern across the globe to liberate or empower women to enable them contribute more meaningfully to humanity. The cumulative empowerment of women has seen them emerging as presidents, prime ministers or heads of governments of many developed and developing countries. The United Nations as a world body in endorsement of unrestricted support for women to attain their God given potentials has been at the fore-front of women empowerment program, setting aside a day as International Women’s day. Therefore, in line with global trends and international best practice, the Victims Support Fund management team led by Prof Sunday Ochoche conceived and integrated a robust gender sensitive program into the VSF intervention package in the name of Women Economic Support Program to cater for the women at risk in these Boko Haram infested areas. The Fund completed the launch of its Women Economic Empowerment Programme in Bara Yobe State. The pilot phase of the project kicked off in Maiduguri the Borno State capital with 1000 women given the sum of 20 million naira to help enhance their means of livelihood. The final phase saw a total of 7000 women receive a cash grant of N20,000 each to help in income generating activities, strengthen their business and life skills and help aid financial independence.
The beneficiaries of the Women Economic Empowerment project are women victims of insurgency who lost their husbands or Heads of Households who now have to fend for their families and are assisted to be able to engage in economic activities to be able to support their families. About 2000 women in Adamawa 3500 in Borno and 1500 in Yobe were selected, trained in Savings and Loans Association and formed into groups of 20 according to income generating activity. These women are given free cash grant of N20,000 each to start a business of their choice. The project will strengthen small scale enterprise for the 7000 women beneficiaries and enable income generation and nutrition for households. The Executive Director VSF Dr. Sunday Ochoche said that the overall goal of the project is to assist to improve livelihood and create business opportunity for the beneficiaries. He further explained that the program started last year with 1,000 Internally Displaced Women living in IDP camps in Maiduguri and after the successful outcome of the project, VSF expanded it to reach more women and also cover additional affected states.
If the primary essence of government remains to ensure the security and safety of its citizens, and efforts are geared toward securing lives, everything will amount to nullity if the rescued are allowed to die of hunger and starvation. But as is often said that teaching one how to fish is far better than giving one fish, the effort of VSF to empower women economically is an initiative that hits the bull’s eye like no other especially as women are the home builders. To appreciate the importance of this type of intervention, it is noteworthy to realize that the Federal Government of Nigeria in marking this year’s International Women’s Day announced the establishment of N1.2billion women economic empowerment fund otherwise referred to as the Jarin Mata Fund- a pointer to the fact that there is unanimity in the thinking for the welfare of women as being key to better the livelihood of families. Speaking at the occasion, the Vice President Prof Yemi Osibanjo who represented President Muhammadu Buhari said that the fund is meant to strengthen the economic capacity of Nigerian women and hinted that the present administration remained committed to protecting all women from all forms of gender-based violence, especially those living “where the security situation is difficult and living conditions are challenging.” Furthermore, the Vice President stated that Nigeria had made some progress over the years connecting women and girls with opportunities, and insisted that so much more still had to be done, “We must strive to use our laws, cultural and religious institutions as well as our resources to empower women, give them opportunity, and protect their rights to a safe, healthy, stable life in our country.” He said the government acknowledged and valued the contributions women were making to national development, affirming that “They do this daily working within and outside the home as well as in public life. Indeed they sometimes are the sole providers for their families.” While government’s action to the establishment of women economic empowerment fund is considered late among some economic watchers, it is nonetheless commendable in principle and intents as it is better late than never. However, the fact that VSF has operated women economic empowerment program pursuant to alleviating the lives of victims of Boko Haram Insurgency two years before Federal government adopted it goes a long way to demonstrate that the organization is proactive and has the capacity and commitment to deliver on its mandate.
With dailytimes
