IWD: Benue Govt, Tearfund, JUWACI urge action on empowerment of women, girls for sustainable devt

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Government, in partnership with Tearfund, Terres de Hommes (TdH), Julebrama Women and Children Initiative (JUWACI) and other civil society organisations, has marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with a call for stronger policies and collective action to empower women and girls for sustainable development.

The event, organised by Tearfund in collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, with support from the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organisations and women leaders to reflect on the role of women in development and the need to address challenges limiting their progress.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Mrs Deborah Aber, said the celebration offered an opportunity to highlight the achievements of women while renewing commitments toward gender equality and empowerment.
Aber noted that the theme of the event, “Empowering Women and Adolescent Girls as a Pathway to Sustainable Development in Benue State,” was apt and timely, stressing that no society could achieve meaningful and lasting development without the active participation and protection of women and girls.
She said, “Women constitute the backbone of our communities. In Benue State, they are the primary drivers of agricultural production, custodians of family welfare, nurturers of future generations and increasingly leaders shaping our social, economic and political landscape.”
However, she lamented that despite their contributions, many women and girls still face barriers such as limited access to education, economic marginalisation, gender-based violence (GBV) and inadequate representation in leadership and decision-making processes.
According to her, empowering women begins with education, which equips girls with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to participate meaningfully in society and contribute to development. She added that when women have access to financial resources, land ownership, agricultural inputs and entrepreneurial opportunities, the benefits extend to families and communities.
“In Benue State, where agriculture remains the mainstay of our economy, empowering women farmers through training, technology, credit facilities and access to markets can significantly boost productivity and food security,” Aber added.
The SSG further emphasised the need to protect women and girls from violence, noting that gender-based violence remains a major obstacle to women’s empowerment globally. She disclosed that Benue State had established a Sexual Assault Response Centre and referral pathways to support victims.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Theresa Ikwue, said the celebration provided a platform to reflect on the achievements of women and renew commitments toward gender equality.
Mrs Ikwue, who was represented by the Director of Women Affairs, Mrs Magdalene Andor, explained that the theme of the year, “Give to Gain,” underscored the importance of investing in women through education, healthcare, economic opportunities and leadership development.
“When women thrive, families are strengthened, communities become more resilient and nations move closer to sustainable development,” she said.
The Director-General of the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Dr Leo-Angelo Viashima, highlighted Governor Hyacinth Alia’s efforts in promoting women in governance, noting that the administration had appointed the state’s first female SSG and other women to key positions.
Speaking on behalf of Tearfund, the Country Director, Mrs Regina Afiemo, represented by Project Officer Olivia Shangbum, called on women to stand up against gender-based violence and advocated the reservation of special seats for women in employment and political spaces.
Chairperson of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Benue State chapter, Mrs Grace Dewua, commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for prioritising women-related issues in his administration and urged women to support one another and actively seek elective positions.
The Chairperson of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), Mrs Regina Ekwueme, represented by Mrs Veronica Alumona, urged women to remember the less privileged in society and continue supporting initiatives that promote the welfare of women and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
The event also featured goodwill messages from development partners as well as presentations by Tearfund on “Transforming Masculinities Model for GBV Prevention and Response” delivered by Dr Joseph Asen, and “Enhancing Legal and Protective Mechanisms for Women and Girls in Benue State” presented by Mr Timothy Tion, a government lawyer at the Ministry of Justice.
It also included a panel discussion on advancing gender-responsive policies and empowerment for women and girls.