By Emeka Nwokocha
Male Feminist Network (MFN) in collaboration with Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice lnitiative (PPJ), and Noble Delta Women for peace and development (NDWPD) on Thursday 2 July, organised a one-day training for various stakeholders to strengthen protection for women and girls of Ozoro Kingdom against all forms of violence.
Speaking at the training, tagged: “Building Safer Cultural Spaces: Community Accountability, Safeguarding and Protection of Women And Girls in Ozoro Kingdom,” the Coordinator of MFN South-South Nigeria, Pst. Edewor Egedegbe Charged the stakeholders to show more commitment and be actively involved in safeguarding and protecting women, men and girls in their communities.
Egedegbe said, “This training initiative reflects shared commitment to create communities where women and girls can live freely without being subjected to violence, abuse, discrimination and harmful cultural practices.”
He said, “Ending sexual based violence is not the responsibility of government alone, it requires the collective action of traditional institutions, community leaders, men, women, young people, faith-based organizations, and the law enforcement agencies.”
The MFN South-South coordinator encouraged the stakeholders to collaborate with MFN to create a safe and peaceful society that protects human rights, and offers equal opportunities for all.
“As men, we are implored to become active allies to dismantle harmful gender and cultural norms, promote positive masculinity, and foster safe communities for all,” he stated.
Continuing, Egedegbe encourage the participants to actively participate in the training, discussion sessions, and commit to translating the knowledge they have gained into actions in their communities.
In their separate remarks, the representatives of Isoko North Council Chairman, the Area Command Ozoro, the Queen of Ozoro Kingdom, and the Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, commended the organisers for the training, pledging support to ensure that Ozoro Kingdom is safe and protected from all forms of violence.
The team of trainers, Mrs Jennifer Okotie, Mr Alex Okekporo, and Dr. Mrs. Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor, enjoined stakeholders to be frontal in promoting safe communities where the rights of all are protected from all forms of violations.
The highpoint of the training was presentation of group work by the participants, who were subsequently inducted as SBV and Safeguard-Ambassadors.
