NRWDI Holds Town-Hall for Akwa Ibom Women Inclusion in Environment Conservation, Climate Justice
By Ekemini Simon
Nkori Rural Women and Development Initiative (NRWDI), a non-governmental organization with a mission to empower marginalized women in the Niger Delta has organised a town hall for the inclusion of Akwa Ibom women in environmental conservation and climate Justice.
The town hall which had women in their numbers from oil and gas communities of Ikot Abasi and Mkpat Enin took place on Friday, July 21 and Saturday July 22, 2023.
The event was held with support from Global Greengrants Fund and Oilwatch Africa.
The Coordinator of Nkori Rural Women and Development Initiative (NRWDI), Okoho Ene said the town hall was organised for three reasons: first, to provide women the platform to voice their concerns and ventilate their grievances regarding the impact of oil and gas exploration on their environment and lives and the lack of inclusion of women in decision making concerning environmental issues in the region.
Ene noted that the second reason for the town hall is to enable the women to articulate the reason for their exclusion, and what they need to do to turn the tide.
The NRWDI Coordinator noted that the town hall also sought to allow women to become the think tank who will develop strategic policy recommendations and strategies for sustainable and affirmative actions of women inclusion in decisions that affect environment and climate in Akwa Ibom State nay the Niger Delta.
She stressed that with the Petroleum Industry Act making provision for women to be included in membership of the Board of Trustees for Host Communities Development Trust and also providing for them to be consulted during need assessment is an entry point for women to engage thus gain their rights.
In her contribution, a woman from Ete in Ikot Abasi local government area, Victoria Ubong said women in Ikot Abasi having been exposed to the rights of women in the Host Communities Development Trust, have discovered that women have been grossly excluded.
She said ” As we have been told, the PIA provides that women should be consulted during needs assessment. But the reality is that we have not been. This shows that we are not valued in decision making despite the fact that we are the most affected by the effect of oil exploration. “
Speaking on what women need to do in order to be given their pride of place, a woman, Uduak Ime recommended that women need not appear as if they want to be equal to men rather they should be industrious and show themselves approved for fine works thus opportunities will beckon.
On his part, the publicity Secretary of Obio Akama Village in Ikot Abasi, Comrade Ifiok Udombat said there is need for women to be more coordinated with the little responsibilities they are given hence higher ones will come their way.
Also, at Ikot Akpan Okop, Mkpat Enin the women resolved to work together through several women organisations to engage the leadership of the communities which they said are mostly men on how to engage the oil and gas companies to eliminate gas flaring in their domain and also consider their recommendations for community development plan as provided for in the Host Communities Development Trust.