USAID celebrates International Women's day in A'Ibom

 The USAID Team, and the implementing partners, during the workshop yesterday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital

By Theresa Donatus, Uyo

Women all over the world are working hard every day to fight for survival either from pandemic, hunger, insecurity, Abuse in their communities and to using their positions of power to demand change, they’re working to make 2022 the year we end the pandemic. Therefore, the United States Agency for international development, State2State Activity  Akwa Ibom State has recently held a workshop to celebrate the International Women's Day in Akwa Ibom state.

Addressing the newsmen, the State2state team lead Mr. Borve Paago-Imabel, who was represented by Dr Iboro declared that the

theme of the year's international women's day, "Women's Participation in Decision Making: Breaking the Bias" 

sought to increase women's Participation in Governance and Public Financial Management.

Also speaking,  Dr. Idorenyin Eyo who gave the keynote address charging women to take the lead and actively participate in Governance. 

Eyo charged women to spend more time in studying, and equip themselves with knowledge in order to be considered especially in position of government kept for the men, added that when women are tested and trusted, there will be no bias in voting them as decision makers.

The activity also brought together USAID implementing partners (Breakthrough Action, CCRN, RISE Network, Epic Activity and Heartland Alliance) who

shared practical experiences on Gender Bias that they encounter on the field.

Implementing Partners  identified some policy issues such as the delay in the governor's accent to the anti-stigmatization bill, lack of enforcement of HIV Workplace policy, dearth of manpower at health institution across the state, need for creation of more safe spaces for sexually violated persons and the urgent need for implementation of free services for sexually violated persons among others.

IPs committed to forge a formidable partnership with State2State in addressing issues that beset the women's access to Primary Health Care, Basic Education, WASH and participation in Governance. 

Civil Society Organisations in attendance also committed to carry out Advocacies to increase women's participation in Public Financial Management.

Also in attendance were the Executive Secretary Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Dr Eno Attah;  Mr. Saviour Udo, General Manager AK-RUWATSA;  Women Led CSOs; Traditional Leaders; Representatives of the Women Affairs and Special Education Center amongst others.