UN Women Coordination Mechanism Forum Inaugurates Delta Chapter , Sues for Gender Equality, Women Empowerment

As part of global efforts to achieve Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Pat Ajudua, has reaffirmed the state government’s firm commitment to eradicating gender-based violence, a persistent and devastating issue that continues to affect women and girls across Nigeria.

Hon. Ajudua made this known during the inauguration and award ceremony of the United Nations Women Coordination Mechanism forum, Delta State chapter, held at the Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba. Addressing a gathering of women leaders, civil society groups, and development partners, she emphasized the need for women to take ownership of the empowerment opportunities presented through the forum and related UN Women programmes.

She urged participants to not only absorb the knowledge from the training sessions but to apply what they learned in their local governments and non-governmental organisations, noting that the real impact of the initiative lies in its grassroots implementation.

Hon. Ajudua stressed the importance of mindset transformation, stating that women must learn to make effective use of even limited resources. With the right orientation and determination, she said, women can manage small-scale support from government or private partners to build sustainable livelihoods, support their families, and uplift others within their communities.

She called for ongoing collaboration among women, development actors, and local stakeholders to ensure that every woman in Delta State is empowered to live free from violence and discrimination, equipped with the skills and support needed to thrive.

Also speaking at the event was the Executive Director of Walking Fingers International Initiative, Coordinator of the Association Against Child, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and the Civil Society Representative for the UN Women Coordination Mechanism in Delta State, Amb. Eris Jewo-Ibi, described the inauguration as a major milestone in the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights in Nigeria.

Ambassador Jewo-Ibi explained that the UN Women Coordination Mechanism was launched nationally a year ago in Kalimba and is domiciled in the Ministry of Women Affairs. Under her leadership, the Delta State chapter has gained national recognition as the most effectively coordinated in the country, a success she credited to her extensive background in grassroots activism and civil society leadership.

According to her, the Coordination Mechanism, also known by its acronym GEWE, Gender Equality and Women Empowerment connects professional women, grassroots groups, and networks under a unified structure to promote gender equality through collaboration and collective advocacy. Attendees at the inauguration are expected to replicate the structure within their local governments, establishing chapters that will drive locally led empowerment initiatives.

Amb. Jewo-Ibi used the occasion to dispel misconceptions about gender equality, noting that the movement is not about challenging men or seeking superiority but about advocating for equal opportunity. She explained that empowering women to lead, earn, and contribute does not diminish the role of men but enriches families and communities.

She called on society to acknowledge the inherent worth and capabilities of women, saying, “Both men and women are equally created and gifted. The woman is talented. The woman is knowledgeable. The woman has so much to offer. Her rights must be protected, and her voice must be heard.”

The event also featured the presentation of awards to individuals and organisations that have shown unwavering dedication to advancing gender equality and promoting women’s rights in Delta State. Among the awardees were community leaders, local government representatives, and private supporters who, despite limited funding, have consistently provided platforms for women’s empowerment and inclusion.