The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) byhas launched a “Women Assembly Forum” aimed at addressing the challenges faced by women in Lagos, through socio-economic programmes and policies.
Speaking at the event held in Surulere Local Government, the Honourable Commissioner, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada observed that all over the world, women are faced with a myriad of challenges ranging from financial, economic, security, marital issues and gender-based violence, particularly rape.
She stated that the forum was initiated for the government to have heart to heart discussions with women on issues of empowerment, financial management and behavioural concerns among many others.
Dada reiterated that the present administration is committed to promoting the cause of women, empowering them, eradicating poverty as well as ensuring adequate protection for the female gender, pointing out that till date WAPA has established 18 Skills Acquisition Centres across the State where more than 20 skills are taught.
“Some of the acquisition skills taught at the various centres include Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Barbing, Photography and Catering, among others. We also have short term module skill acquisition for all interested women in the State free of charge”, the Commissioner stated.
“At our Isheri Skill Acquisition Centre, we have empowered 1,100 vulnerable and indigent residents with startup kits such as Pepper Grinding Machines, Hair Dryers, and Barbing equipment among others. Subsequent programmes will be held at other Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in the State”, she added.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government, who was represented at the event by the Secretary, Prince Niyi Dosunmu, appreciated the Ministry for initiating the women assembly and advised participants to use the forum as a means of acquiring necessary skills for financial independence.
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