A non-profit organisation, the Initiative for Girl’s Rights and Health Development (IGRHD), made waves at the 68 edition of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
It hosted a landmark event aimed at instigating support for activists and organisations on the frontline tackling harmful practices against women such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), rape and breast ironing.
The event was titled, ‘Support for Grassroots Organisations: The Best and Most Effective Strategy to End Harmful Practices.
According to the Executive Director of IGRHD, Ayodeji Bello Awodoyin, and Director of Operations, Temitayo Kolade Awodoyin, the event shed light on the critical roles of frontline activists and grassroots organisations driving positive changes and leading interventions across Africa.
Awodoyin emphasised the urgent need for funding and support for grassroots crusaders who are at the forefront of the battle against harmful practices. The event served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and commitment towards ending violence and discrimination against women at the grassroots level.
With the collective efforts of stakeholders and supporters, IGRHD and its allies are poised to make significant strides in promoting gender equality and empowering women in Osun State, Nigeria and beyond.
Chief of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women, Abigail Erikson, in her remarks, noted that more than one billion dollars was requested as grant in the last cycle to tackle FGM, pledging to use her office and goodwill to prioritise frontline organisations.
A gender expert at the World Bank, Lou Granier, encouraged grassroots activists and leaders of frontline organisations to work and support the government. She also offered insights into effective strategies to combat harmful practices.
Isabel Salas of Wallace Global Fund added that the group was focused on working at the grassroots and was keen to continue its partnership with IGRHD in its mission to tackle challenges associated with FGM.
Dignitaries present at the event included wife of the governor, representatives of the Osun state Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs; the Ooni of Ife, Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi represented by HRM Muraina Adedini Kabiyesi Asoya of Ile Isoya Ife Kingdom, and representatives from various international organisations, who all pledged their unwavering support for the cause.
