Gender/Environmental Activist Engage Women from Akwa Ibom Oil Communities on Inclusion
A Gender and Environmental Activist, Idorenyin Eyo has engaged with the women of the oil communities of Akwa Ibom State on the need for inclusion on decisions that will affect their environment and livelihood.
The engagement which took place in Eket on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, had women from Eket, Esit Eket, Onna, and Mkpat Enin discuss the environmental challenges affecting the region and recommended ways the challenges can be addressed.
The event, themed “The Impact Zone: Women’s Stories on Neglect and Inclusion,” focused on how environmental degradation impacts women and their communities—especially in state rich in resources but burdened by inequality and neglect.
The meeting had emphasized the urgent need for women to be part of decision-making that will have an impact on their environment.
In their respective remarks, the women narrated how pollution and resource exploitation, especially from oil and gas operations, have affected their health, livelihoods, and overall well-being.
They decried the fact that despite the wealth in natural resources, the people still faced poor access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
To address the gaps, the gathering resolved to hold leaders accountable and create safe space for women’s voices to be heard and respected.
Participants said there is a need for vocational training, better healthcare access, and startup grants to support the livelihoods of women already destroyed by environmental degradation caused by oil and Gas pollution.
Participants recommended increased awareness in marketplaces on the need for women inclusion and the push on their part for the women to be involved in local decision-making processes.
Helen Eyo, Programs Officer at the Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction, led discussions on how environmental damage caused by multinational companies is cutting off women’s means of survival.
Earlier in her remarks, the Convener, Idorenyin Eyo said the meeting was designed to create a safe and empowering platform for women to share their experiences of exclusion, advocate for inclusion, and demand justice for the environment.
She said there is power in collective effort hence the need for the women to join hands in pushing for their rights.
The Convener noted that from the discussions, she has seen that her fears were valid that women were excluded. Eyo highlighted the notable efforts of civil society organizations such as Policy Alert, Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction in fighting to promote environmental justice in the Niger Delta.