During a courtesy visit to her ministry over the weekend, Chief Bisi Idaomi, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Irenonsen Ihensekhien, said that the state government is committed to the welfare of women in Edo State and to protecting their rights.
She also said that LAPO’s collaborative initiative was timely, adding that the Ministry is responsible for the welfare and protection of women’s rights and other related matters.
The Edo State Government (EDSG) announced its intention to work with the Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) to address a number of issues affecting women and girls in the state.
Earlier in his speech, Dr. Honestus Ayo Obadiora, Executive Vice President of Health and Social Development at LAPO, stated that the visit was intended to establish a partnership with the Edo State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for the benefit of the populace.
He insisted that this partnership would help to lessen injustices, empower women in the state, and reduce violence against them.
He stated: “We are here to explore ways to strengthen our partnership with the Ministry to ensure that the people of Edo State, particularly women and children, benefit from impactful projects aimed at improving their quality of life.”
As a pro-poor and women-friendly organisation, LAPO specifically seeks collaboration in the following key areas:
“Ensuring legal and social protection for women: We urge the Ministry to support our Legal Aid unit in providing essential services to women facing challenges, ensuring that they receive the necessary legal and social protection at no financial cost to them.”
“Strengthening enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law: This includes provisions against female genital mutilation, anti-widowhood practices, forced prostitution, human trafficking, and violations of child rights.”
“Advocating for free and affordable healthcare services: We urge the Edo State Government to introduce free and affordable healthcare services for poor and vulnerable women, as well as the elderly in society.”
“Advancing financial inclusion for women: We propose the establishment of a dedicated pool of funds for lending to vulnerable women in collaboration with LAPO.”
“Promoting women’s economic rights: We advocate for policies that safeguard women’s inheritance rights, property ownership, and access to credit.”
“Gender-based discrimination must be eliminated, and we call for the Ministry’s support in implementing policies that ensure financial inclusivity.”
“We believe that addressing these critical issues will empower women, reduce injustices, and curtail violence against women in Edo State,” he emphasised.
Dr. Obadiora discussed the organization’s social accomplishments and stated that LAPO has made a substantial contribution to reducing poverty over the years through a number of projects and programs.
