Healthy Life Development Initiative, a non governmental organization has embarked on enlightenment campaign on environment related issues and adaptation measures for Umuechem and Abara community women, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), adolescent girls.
The one-day event, held on February 6, 2024 at Finakon Hotel, Rukpokwu in Obi Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, was themed “Empowering Resilience: Capacity Building for physically challenged and Marginalised women on Environmental Population and Adaption Strategies.” The event coincided with the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation celebration.
Dr. Mfon Utin, the coordinator of Healthy Life Development Initiative, emphasized on women’s right to participate in policy implementation while discouraging female genital mutilation.
Dr. Utin said her charge was borne out of complaints of women from the two communities on the negative impact of extractive activities of multi-national companies and illegal crude oil mining on their environment while they continue to inhale the fumes unconsciously.
Ekperikpe Ekpo accords Governor Umo Eno the revered Obongemem recognition
She, however, appreciated Global Greengrants Funds for supporting the enlightenment campaign and also commended participants who took the opportunity of free medical check-up sponsored by Healthy Life Development Initiative to ascertain their state of health before the commencement of the events.
She decried the effect of harsh economic condition and the realities of the present degradation of environment on women whom she described are bread winners and suggested education, skill acquisition as possible way out.
Other speakers included a medical doctor, Dr. Emem Jaja who spoke on “Health and Gender Entity” and encouraged water conservation, healthy living and good practices.
Also, Mrs. Pamela Romeo spoke on the impact of environmental pollution , waste management and mitigation/ adaptation strategies including tree planting as mitigation while Happiness Ntueibok also discussed on the adaptation measures in term of skill acquisition, entrepreneurial skills among others.
