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Rivers Women Rise Against Gender Violence

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As activities geared up
around the globe to commemorate the 2014 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women,
Tuesday,   the 25th day of November 2014, was quite remarkable here in the city of Port Harcourt. The Ministry of Women Affairs in Rivers State left no stone unturned to ensure that its advocacy and sensitization campaigns were taken to the grassroots.
This time, it rolled out its drum, not just to celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of  Violence against Women, but to mark the start of the 16 days of activism that will lead up to Human Rights Day on December 10, 2014.
The ministry used the occasion to call to mind the need to stop all forms of violence against women, considered to be the most widespread human rights abuses in all countries of the world.
In a street march, the Rivers State Ministry of Women Affairs created awareness, on the kinds of violence women face in the society, pointing out the need to put an end to it.
Of course, the women ministry is not alone in this course. Organizations such as: Gender and Development Advocacy (GADA), Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), National Stability and Rehabilitation Programme (NSRP), Civil Rights Societies, Civic Based Organisations, Security agencies, media and many other non-governmental organizations are in partnership with the ministry to make real its agenda which is ultimately geared towards ensuring that the society puts a stop to the mindsets and customs that encourage, ignore or tolerate the global disgrace of violence against women and girls.
With the theme of the 2014 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, as: “From Peace In The Home, To Peace In The World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls,” the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, in his message to commemorate the day stressed that everyone has a responsibility to prevent and end violence against women and girls, starting by challenging the culture of discrimination that allows it to thrive. While calling on the world to shatter negative gender stereotype and attitudes, introduce and implement laws to prevent and end discrimination and exploitation and stand up to abusive behavior where ever it is sighted.
Ban Ki-Moon had earlier described, “sexual and gender-based violence as the most extreme form of the global and systemic inequality experienced by women and girls, stating that it knows no geographic, socio-economic or cultural boundaries.
He reiterated that one in three women worldwide suffers physical or sexual violence at some point in life, from rape and domestic violence to harassment at work and bullying on the internet.
It will be recalled that by resolution 54/134 of December 17,1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated November 25, as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and invited governments, international organizations and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the problem on that day globally.
However, women activists have marked November 25 every year as a day against violence since 1981. This date came from the brutal assassination of 1960, of the three Mirabel Sisters, who were political activists in the Dominican Republic on orders of Dominican Ruler Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).
Meanwhile, the commissioner for Women Affairs in Rivers State, Mrs Joeba West, has used the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women as the subsequent 16 days activism campaign to call on stakeholders in the state to join the campaign on zero tolerance on gender-based violence.
Mrs Joeba West, who made this call during the solidarity march organised by her ministry in partnership with Gender And  Development Advocacy (GADA), Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and other organizations to commemorate the event, said the global theme for this year which is: From Peace In The Home, To Peace In The World: Let’s Challenge Militarism And End Gender-based Violence Against Women and Girls,” highlights the effect of violence against women and girls in the society.
The commissioner, who described violence as an anti-social behavior, which violates the right of people to peaceful co-existence, said the campaign would focus on relevant action to be taken to end gender-based violence and militarism, to ensure that women and girls enjoy freedom from fear of intimidation, harassment and exploitation at all levels.
According to the honourable commissioner, the ministry in its commitment to advocate agasisnt proliferation of small arms in cases of intimate partners violence, violence perpetrated by state actors and sexual violence during and after conflict among others would feature in the 16 days activism. The establishment and launching of a counseling and referral centre for victims of Gender-based violence at the ministry of women Affairs, media discussions, jingles and step-down campaign at the different localities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists in the state, Mrs Lilian Okonkwo, has called on all to ensure that girl-child education is encouraged to curb further exposure to sexual violence by virtue of their being used as hawking agents.
She called on relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that cases of violence being reported are properly investigated and the perpetrators duly prosecuted.

 

Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Group photgraph of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalsits (NAWOJ) in partnership with GADA, Peace and Security Network and Minsitry of Women Affairs, Rivers State in commemorating the International Day for the Elimiantion of violence Against women in Port Harcourt.

Group photgraph of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalsits (NAWOJ) in partnership with GADA, Peace and Security Network and Minsitry of Women Affairs, Rivers State in commemorating the International Day for the Elimiantion of violence Against women in Port Harcourt.

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Nigeria Deserves Stylish, Sophisticated Designs-Igiebor Daddy Lucky

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IVY-K Fashion by Igiebor Daddy Lucky, a Nigerian-born designer now based in the UK, has launched the latest menswear line, Dapper Man.
One of the collection’s strengths is its classic, clean aesthetic. Dapper Man delivers sharp, structured suits in a timeless black and white color scheme that exudes a sense of luxury and professionalism. The use of high-quality fabrics like wool and silk ensures that the suits not only look high-end but also feel luxurious to the wearer. The designer’s focus on detail is evident in the meticulous tailoring, with fitted blazers and crisp trousers forming the foundation of the collection.
Where IVY-K Fashion shines is in the subtle yet elegant touches. The inclusion of beads as embellishments on lapels and cuffs adds a unique flair, blending traditional craft with modern tailoring. This nod to African heritage gives the collection a distinct identity, offering something more personal and culturally significant than your standard menswear line.
However, despite the elegance of the Dapper Man collection, there is a lingering sense of missed opportunity. The black-and-white color palette, while classic, feels overly safe. In a fashion landscape where bold colors and daring patterns often make the strongest impact, the collection could benefit from incorporating more vibrant hues or experimenting with unconventional fabrics. Pushing the envelope with color or texture could elevate these designs from simply elegant to truly memorable.
In addition, while the tailoring of the blazers and trousers is immaculate, the collection lacks a sense of playfulness or modern edge that many contemporary menswear lines are embracing. The suits are undoubtedly stylish, but the collection as a whole leans heavily on tradition. Experimenting with asymmetrical cuts, bold patterns, or even layering could add an exciting dimension to Dapper Man. The challenge is to maintain the sleek sophistication of the collection while infusing it with a fresh, innovative spirit.
Another area that could use improvement is the overall cohesion of the collection. While the suits are well-crafted, there is a feeling of repetition across the pieces. More variation in design, such as different lapel styles, pocket configurations, or even bolder accessories, would give the collection greater diversity and visual interest.
In conclusion, Dapper Man by Igiebor Daddy Lucky showcases the designer’s strong grasp of classic tailoring and elegant design, but to truly capture the attention of a broader audience, IVY-K Fashion would benefit from more daring choices. By infusing the collection with bold colors, unexpected textures, and a more modern edge, Dapper Man could move from a well-crafted line to a trendsetting force in men’s fashion. With such a solid foundation, there’s no doubt that Igiebor Daddy Lucky has the potential to lead his brand toward greater heights

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Women Can Curb Indecent Dressing

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The trend of indecent dressing all in the name of fashion is fast becoming a norm in our generation and society at large. Most married women embrace this fashion as competition with single ladies.
Different scholars have given an in depth insight about dressing as a tool of communication.  Non-verbal communication has been asserted  as the communication between people by the means of signs or symbols.  It conveys what we wish to disseminate to the public as either intentionally or not.
According to Paul Ekman and Michael Argyle, communication is carried out through what has been classified as “Presentational Code”.  He listed nine codes of non-verbal communication, as body contact, facial expression, gestures, postures, eye movement, proximity, orientation, head nods and appearance.
This, being stated, married and single ladies should understand that their mode of dressing is communicative be it directly or indirectly as such body parts we call “private” are now being made public because of the trends or wearing of transparent dresses and this in turn calls on the attention of men who are weak and prone to illicit thoughts thus, resulting to most rape cases in our society.
This indecent dressing by most ladies has denied many their future husbands.  The truth is that a man is attracted to his kind; his desires in marriage.  It is often asserted that decency and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder, yet,  in trending times of this 21st century, dress code  and fashion in nudity form is gaining popularity.
This has become complicated as most men tend to toggle between their emotions (lust) and sanity (rationality) in terms of marriage, thereby setting a wrong foundation upon which most marriages are consummated.
On the other hand, most married women have embraced the trend of indecent dressing nipping it on the state of it being the choice dressing, approved by their spouses, leaving society with the question of what “responsible” man would prefer that the secrecy of the benefit of his marital vow has become the centre of attraction and viewership by the general public.
Hence, communicating with their dressing gas given licence to every male gender who is interested or attracted to what they see to make unsolicited sexual passes at them, which might be considered embarrassing.
At this juncture, it is important to state that ladies should  dress decently knowing that they are the epitome of nation-building, they are nation-builders, character moulders and pacesetters not just in the lives of their families but to the society at large.
In most occasions, there are no clear border lines between the married women and the single ladies because of the rate of scanty dressing which has close the gap of differences.
Women and girls should embrace this call awakening to decent mode of dressing.  Dresses that are meant to be worn indoors should remain indoors.
It is worrisome to see ladies wear shorts that are supposed to be worn in the living room on the streets without shame.  This is an awakening call to our ladies, married and singles that the opposite sex do not expose their private body parts for the public.  Sometimes, the ladies go about in the streets without wearing brazziers as to showcase their nipples.
The society should be sanitised of the menace  of indecent dressing that is lurking and taking over the entire nooks and crannies of the society and the nation at large.
Let it be known that he or she is addressed in the manner he or she is dressed.  There may be no room for a second impression.  To the single ladies,  your dressing decently will not stop you from meeting your Mr Right rather,  it will increase your stake and place you on the list of most valued women in the society.
Dressing speaks louder than words.

Kate Chisom Isiocha
Isiocha is an OND final year student of Temple Gate Polytechnic.

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NWAPDI Launches Home Farming Scheme For Women In Okrika

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A non-governmental group,  Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive Development Initiative (NWAPDI), has taken it’s sensitization programme on home grown farming to women in Okrika Local Government Area.
The body which started in April, 2024 in Rivers State is boasting of huge grassroot followership and is planning a green revolution.
The Rivers State Coordinator, Barrister Ngozi Ajayi, who disclosed this in Okrika, last Thursday, said the programme would change the fortunes of women farmers and their families.
Ajayi was joined by  local government coordinators from Etche, Okrika, Emohua, and Omuma, at Ibaka Town, Okrika, to inaugurate 12-member Ward Coordinators of NWAPDI in the area.
Ajayi stated that since July, when the local government coordinators of NWAPDI were inaugurated, the body which aims to boost food sufficiency and arm women with skills in agro-production, had grown in followership, especially among the women folk.
She commended women in Okrika for the interest they had shown in the scheme, adding that she was impressed with the huge turnout and participation.
Shortly after inaugurating the 12 Ward Coordinators, Ajayi charged the women to exploit the opportunities provided by NWAPDI.
She reiterated that the body had come to stay as a way of  improving the wellbeing of women who, most times, were providers in their families.
“We want all of you to go back to your families and tell your people that whatever space you have, utilize it for subsistence farming.
“As you can see, the body is made up of lawyers, lecturers, teachers, and women in different sectors. The essence is to call attention on the need for women to collaborate together so their voices will be heard.
“Women are the major backbone in the agric sector, and if their efforts are harnessed to impact on the nation’s food production, their impact can go far,”she said.
With NWAPDI on board, she expressed optimism that the plight of women farmers would be reduced, such that all government and international support would get to the grassroots.
Also speaking, NWAPDI Coordinator in Okrika Local Government  Area, Prof. Nene Jamabo, a professor of Aqua Culture at the University of Port Harcourt, had  expressed delight over the interest shown by women in the LGA, saying with cluster farming, women would be empowered more than before.
“What we intend to do is Cluster Farming, and it’s  a whole lot of value chain. We want every woman to put food on their table.
“In Okrika we have observed that most of the women are into crafts, so we will combine cluster with integrated farming- to create a chain; some will be farming, some will be processing and others will be into marketing”, she said.
In her speech, the Chairperson, Caretaker Committee of Okrika Local Government Council, Mrs Gold Okujagu, who was represented by the Secretary of the Council, expressed satisfaction with the initiative.
She described NWAPDI as timely and very crucial to the current economic challenges in the country.
She explained that in an era of processed foods, the initiative would encourage women to grow organic foods.
She urged every woman to engage in subsistence farming at any level to reduce hazardous things that were being consumed as food.
Speaking after the inauguration, the Ward 2 Coordinator, Mrs Ibiere Williams, expressed gratitude to the Rivers State and Okrika Local Government Coordinators for organizing the programme.
Mrs Williams, who is of Ngeme-Biri, a civil servant, observed that many women from different parts of Okrika attended the programme, which indicated the readiness on their part to end food scarcity in the area.
“We saw many women from different parts of Okrika. That means we are ready to farm and see what we can gain. We appreciate the organisers, and they really encouraged us. We learned that there are so many ways for planting since we do not have much land in Okrika. Our women were happy.
“We are given these items free to plant in broken buckets, nylon and bags due to scarcity of land in the area. We were taught that sand mixed with fresh fish intestine can serve as manure. This was very educative. If we practice what we were taught, in the next one year, there will be food sufficiency in Okrika”, she said.
In her comments, a member of NWAPDI, Mrs Felicia Barasin, a business woman from Bulome-Biri stated that the programme was good and timely as many families were finding it difficult to feed because of the harsh economy.
Highlight of the occasion was the administration of oaths to the Ward Coordinators of the local government area by the Legal Officer, Ibiwari Maureen Waribo.
Also, the award of certificates and recognition of executive members of NWAPDI Okrika LGA by the State Coordinator. The EXCO include Vice Coordinator, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo; Secretary, Ms. Constance Kalio; Treasurer, Mrs. Sime Loveday; and Public Relations Officer, Mrs Roseline Orupabo.
Cassava stems, okro, and vegetable seeds were shared amongst the women after the training section.
Over 500 women from Okrika Local Government Area attended the programme.
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