France To Support Women, Girls Affected By Insurgency

France is to provide technical and financial support to relevant Government agencies and Humanitarian Organizations in providing for women and girls affected by insurgency and banditry in the Northern part of the country.

The Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of France in Nigeria, Mr Olivier Chatelais stated this in Abuja at a Vocational Training and Enterpreneurship for women survivors in Sokoto state.

The Deputy ambassador explained that the French Government has earmarked One Hundred Thousand Euros to the Humanitarian Organization: NEEM Foundation to implement programs at supporting ongoing peace efforts and helping survivors of sexual and gender-based violence with the socio-economic and psychological challenges faced due to social exclusion.

He urged non governmental organizations to assist the federal and state governments in protecting and empowering thousands of women who have become widows and sole breadwinners as a result of insecurity in the Northern part of the country.

The Executive Director NEEM Foundation, Dr Fatima Akilu stressed that gender violence has prevented three out of Ten women in the north from realizing their potential.

Dr Fatima Akilu maintained that the program which will run for Nine Months would build the capacity of Two Hundred women directly and reach Two thousand beneficiaries from homes in Sokoto state.

According to her, Households will benefit from additional income from the Skills acquired during the training and income generating activities.

The Program officer of the Foundation, Ms Minoe Duamwan said series of meetings have been held with Sokoto state government agencies for collective monitoring for the desired results.

Ms Minoe Duamwan however appealed to community leaders in the area to compliment the efforts of the federal and state governments as well as french Authority in eradicating poverty and ensuring that women contribute to socio economic development of their immediate environment.

Representatives of the Sokoto state government in their separate remarks commended the empowerment program reiterating government’s determination to welcome and support Humanitarian assistance from other organizations to ameliorate the plight of women and girls affected by insurgency.

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji