The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) assisted Value Chain Development Programne (VCDP) has conducted a networking forum to promote women’s connectivity in Ebonyi state.
The Rural Institution Gender Youth Mainstreaming Officer (RIGMO) of IFAD–VCDP, Mrs Fransisca Anya said while addressing the women during the forum, that it was one of the programme’s exit strategies.
Anya said that women’s voices are not usually heard which prompted IFAD–VCDP in Ebonyi, to institute a special forum for women to inter–connect.
“”This affords women opportunities to interact, network and connect as done in several related forums such as the International Women’s Day celebration.”
She noted that the programme has registered several women network forums aimed at achieving intended connectivity objectives.
“”We have registered the silver women network at Izzi Local Governentl Area (LGA) of the state.and the golden star women network in Ohaozara LGA.
“We have also registered impactful women network in Ivo LGA, the Rising star network in Ishielu among others in the eight participating LGAs of the state.
“Most of the women networks havs conducted their elections to elect executives and this has given them purposeful leadership,”.
Anya said that the most gratifying aspect of the networking is sustainability as the networks can stand even when IFAD–VCDP winds up.
“They can stand as groups to demand women’s rights and accountability from elected officials including others in authority,” she said..
The IFAD–VCDP State Ccordintaor, Chief Sunday Ituma described the event as inspiring with ts roots originating from the biblical recognition of the importance of women.
Ituma represented by the programme’s Agricultural Production Officer in the state, Mr Darlington Onele remarked that God recognised the importance of women in the society which necessidated their creation.
“IFAD–VCDP realises this fact as no society can exist without women.
“You have exhibited various produce and products as the overall intention is for you to develop yourselves and the society.
Mrs Nnenna Nkama, the State Leader of Women Network thanked IFAD–VCDP for the networking iniwtiative and urged women to make adequate use of the opportunities provided.
