The Advocates For Children And Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN) was at the Lagos State Ministry Of Women Affairs And Poverty Alleviation with other Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs) at the Women Development Centre, Agege, Lagos State, on the 21st of November, 2023, to a parley with the discussed emphasis on women empowerment and development.
The sessions were held by different directors and Permanent Secretaries and they talked about women’s empowerment and how it was beneficial for NGOs to partner with the Lagos ministry to be able to access quality service through the state, for help in key areas of women’s lives.
During question time, different questions were fielded from several representatives of some NGOs on effective partnerships and suggestions for improvement.
ACVPN case manager, Jennifer Nwosu, who was at the event, said: “I was one of the representatives who Mrs Olorunfemi obliged to respond to. I asked two key questions regarding women’s empowerment beyond teaching them, especially victims of domestic abuse, and violence, beyond learning soft skills to the creation of higher platforms through professional mentorship programmes.
“I also asked about child victims of human trafficking and parental abuse who should not be exposed to their abusers but providing foster homes and care for them for as long as possible.
“She gave me due recognition, especially as a representative of ACVPN and was very enthusiastic about my questions, and suggestions.
“She said the state has some existing platforms and would always make a way for any challenge that is new and with other existing bodies, these would be avenues for betterment.
“Other participants also asked questions and made suggestions ranging from health care, providing help for ex-female inmates, how to get these resources, among other suggestions.
“Clear and concise information on every area WAPA covers and encouragement of participants to utilize the opportunities of the state by ensuring they enrol their organizations with WAPA was made.”
The honourable Commissioner for WAPA, Mrs Cecilia Dada gave a rich talk on how WAPA was deliberate about carrying gender-based issues to the highest level and with very strong support from the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
She mentioned how WAPA has been able to transform women in the state and spoke on many innovations recorded by the state.
“These fast-growing programmes are not redundant and progressively, they ensure that the rights and lives of women are improving because women are key to any society and they will never be left to be in a state of vulnerability,” Nwosu recounted.
