A Non-Governmental Organization, Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative has called on the Federal Government and the policymakers to accelerate investment in the health and well-being of women at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.
SWAG Initiative made the call at the Internally Displaced Women’s Conference in Wassa to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2024, organized by the SWAG Initiative as part of its WeLead activities for the year.
The SWAG Initiative’s Communications Strategist, Seyi Bolaji, while delivering a talk about International Women’s Day, prompting the women to reflect on its significance globally, emphasized the importance of mutual support among women and encouraged them not to rely solely on external assistance, stressing their vital roles in community and societal development.
Seyi further introduced a creed, “invest in women,” to which the women responded, “Accelerate Progress,” in their local language as she concluded by leading them in affirmations of self-worth and capability.
Also speaking the Women Leader of Wassa IDP Camp, Hafsat Hamman, in her opening remarks expressed gratitude to the attendees for their significant turnout, especially those who attended rehearsals despite short notice.
She urged the women to absorb the knowledge gained during the conference and apply it to their daily lives.
A drama presentation focusing on women’s empowerment ensued, highlighting the necessity for women to engage in productive activities to support their families.
The women narrated how the SWAG Initiative has in the past provided seed capital, enabling them to start businesses and contribute to their families’ well-being.
Representatives of the partner organizations shared goodwill messages. Halima Bello from Plan International, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting women and girls, urging the women to take ownership of SWAG’s projects.
Bolade Ololade, Program Officer of GEMHUB Initiative, expressed admiration for the women’s strength and resilience, encouraging mutual celebration and support.
Cynthia Umeh, from Shades of Us Africa, conveyed her organization’s commitment to storytelling about women, girls, and social change issues in Africa.
She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day with the women.
Maureen Torkula, the project Head for WeLead, highlighted the significance of the WeLead project in addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights among women and girls in IDP camps.
She commended the women’s resilience and acknowledged the partnership with various organizations.
Another dance presentation followed, showcasing traditional moves accompanied by rhythmic drumming.
Women provided feedback on the WeLead project, expressing gratitude for SWAG’s impact. One of the women highlighted that the family planning program has helped some of the women adapt to spacing childbirth effectively.
The women also testified of how they now engage in petty trades and businesses and are currently providing and supporting their families through all the empowerment schemes brought to them in the camp by SWAG Initiative. The organization’s continuous investment and capacity building in the camp has led to more women’s empowerment.
As a call to action, the women from the Wassa Internally Displaced Persons camp also used the opportunity of this conference to appeal to the government to help revive the mobile clinic in the IDP Camp that has been ineffective for the past year and counting.
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