Over the past five years, the Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (WVL-N) project has dramatically changed the landscape for women and girls in Cross River State. With an investment of ₦228,357,366.994 from Global Affairs Canada and implemented by ActionAid Nigeria, this initiative has directly impacted 731,925 women and girls, while indirectly touching the lives of over 20 million people in the region.
While celebrating her five years of the project’s impact in Calabar, Cross River State at the International Conference Centre, Summit Hills. The project highlighted it’s significant force in enhancing women’s political participation. Through persistent advocacy, 42 women have secured political appointments, and 21 have won seats at both state and local government levels. Notably, 17 women have been inducted into traditional councils and cabinets, marking a historic inclusion driven by the project’s efforts.
Political engagement among women has also surged, with 3,690 women successfully collecting their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). This has led to a noticeable increase in female voter turnout. Leadership mentoring for young women has also borne fruit, with 17 young women securing leadership positions in tertiary institutions, including the groundbreaking election of the first female Student Union President at the University of Calabar (UNICAL).
In terms of policy and legal advancements, the WVL-N project has made impressive strides. It has successfully drafted and submitted the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law to the Cross River State House of Assembly. Additionally, it has advocated for the establishment of a Taxation and Levy policy to support grassroots market women. The project’s initiatives have also led to the development of a Disability Rights Law, an updated Child Rights Law, and the Cross River State Gender Policy and Strategic Framework.
Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) has been a cornerstone of the WVL-N project. Over the past five years, 365 GBV-related cases have been managed, and 134 survivors have received economic empowerment through skills training and grants. Legal action was taken in eight GBV cases, resulting in four convictions. Sensitization campaigns reached 177,911 women and girls, and a shelter was established to provide a safe haven for GBV survivors. Furthermore, faith leaders have been equipped with GBV messaging guidelines to integrate into their sermons, promoting a broader cultural shift towards GBV prevention and response.
Economic justice and empowerment have also been a critical focus. The project trained 2,489 women in various income-generating skills and facilitated the registration of 25 cooperative groups with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). This has significantly enhanced their business prospects. Additionally, 1,029 individuals were educated about wrongful and indiscriminate business taxation, while 30 female petty traders received financial literacy and business management training, with 26 qualifying for ₦50,000 grants from the Federal Government.
The impact of the WVL-N project extends beyond immediate economic benefits. It has fostered a sense of empowerment and independence among women in Cross River State. The comprehensive support provided, from political engagement to economic empowerment, underscores the project’s holistic approach to gender equality.
The investment in Cross River State has been transformative. Women and girls in the region are now more politically active, economically empowered, and legally protected. The success stories emanating from this project illustrate the power of targeted advocacy and support, proving that with the right resources and commitment, substantial change is possible.
The Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (WVL-N) project stands as a beacon of hope and progress. Its achievements over the past five years have not only improved the lives of women and girls in Cross River State but have also set a powerful precedent for gender equality initiatives across Nigeria. The journey of empowerment continues, with the WVL-N project leading the charge towards a more equitable and just society.
