Imo unveils plan to improve women welfare, security

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The Imo State Government has validated its Women, Peace and Security State Action Plan.

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The government added that the state is the first state in the South-East to join other states across the country.

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The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Nkechinyere Ugwu on Monday explained that Action Plan is a policy framework and not a bill requiring passage by the Imo State House of Assembly.

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She explained that while the ministry collaborated closely with the legislature throughout the drafting process, implementation remains the immediate priority.

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She stressed that lasting peace begins in the home and acknowledged the critical role women play in fostering peaceful families and communities.

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She said the ongoing implementation of other government inclusion policies, as well as measures supporting persons with disabilities and the extension of the retirement age in the state civil service are all meant to highlight government welfare plans concerning women.

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The Programme Director, Alliances for Africa, Blessing Duru, said extensive consultations were held with stakeholders across Imo State and explained that implementation would be driven by a reporting committee and a monitoring and implementation committee, working in partnership with government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations.

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She added, “The Action Plan is the outcome of years of consultations, technical reviews and stakeholder engagements that began in 2024.

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“The document localises Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, while addressing Imo State’s unique peace and security challenges”.

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“The Action Plan is built on five strategic pillars which included participation, protection, prevention, relief and recovery”. She called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies, security institutions, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and development partners to take ownership of its implementation.”

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