Womem Empowerment: Another Strategic Investment For Future Of Benue Communities

Benue State has a population of approximately 3.329 million females, making up about 50.3% of the total population. This is a significant number which requires proper management to contribute more meaningfully to the development of the state in all facets of life, including the development of local solutions to problems, boosting income, and participation in decision-making and leadership.

It is therefore apt when the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership (RWVL) Project was recently launched to strengthen women-led organizations, expand women’s participation in governance, and build the institutional capacity of local civil society organizations across Benue State.

The project is being funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by ActionAid Nigeria in partnership with the Community Links and Human Empowerment Initiative (CLHEI) and the Centre for Community Resource Health and Social Development (CCRHSD).

For the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, this initiative is a strategic investment in the future of Benue communities and a strong demonstration of the localisation of global agenda, bringing to the fore that

sustainable development is most effective when local institutions are empowered to lead the search for solutions that reflect the realities and aspirations of the communities they serve.

The Governor, in his message, delivered at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Serumun Deborah Aber

commended the Government of Canada, ActionAid Nigeria, and the implementing partners for their confidence in indigenous organizations, describing the project as a model for inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven development cooperation.

With the government already having established the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Headed by Hon Leo-Angelo Aondoaseer Viashima, it will be easier to provide this initiative with the required support to succeed.

The Bureau’s role is principally to coordinate development partnerships across the state and create an enabling environment for local organizations to thrive.

The launch of the RWVL Project, therefore, reflects the growing confidence of international development partners in Benue’s indigenous institutions and validates the Bureau’s efforts to advance the localisation agenda through strategic coordination and to build sustainable and beneficial partnerships.

There is a convergence of consensus by stakeholders, including the Director General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, Mrs. Josephine Habba, the Director General of Radio Benue, Mr. Terseer Mdzulga, the Tor Mbawua, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and the Director General of the Benue State Budget and Economic Planning Commission, that the project would strengthen women’s leadership, promote peace and social cohesion, and deepen collaboration among government, civil society, traditional institutions, and development partners to accelerate sustainable development across the state.

The significance of this project can be seen from the broad range of stakeholders, including representativesof the Benue NGOs Network (BENGONET), civil society organizations, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), women’s groups, traditional rulers, government officials, development partners, and members of the media, that attended the unveiling of the initiative.

Their participation underscored a shared commitment to advancing gender equality, strengthening civic engagement, and creating an enabling environment where women and local organizations can flourish.

Essentially, the launch of the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project marks another significant milestone in Benue State’s expanding partnership with the international development community, reinforces the state’s commitment to localising development, having stronger institutions, and the promotion of inclusive governance, while ensuring that women remain at the forefront of building peaceful, resilient, and prosperous communities.

– Bridget Tikyaa Is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media,  Publicity and Communications Strategy