Edo State Government will continue to prioritize the creation of more opportunities for improved livelihoods for women in rural areas in a concerted effort to drive sustainable development, Governor Godwin Obaseki said on Thursday.
Obaseki, who gave the assurance in commemoration of the International Day of Rural Women marked by the United Nations and its agencies, said improved health services, enhanced gender mainstreaming and more sustainable economic opportunities would guarantee a better life for rural women.
He said the state government is working on providing these basic needs with the upgrade of primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in rural communities, appointment of special assistants on gender at ward levels across the state and heavy investment in agriculture through commercial farming and oil palm plantations across the state.
According to him, “As we mark the International Day of Rural Women, it is pertinent to state that the Edo State Government has undertaken strategic reforms to ensure a better deal for women in rural areas.
“We have ensured that the health facility that is closest to these women is upgraded and services improved to provide them with basic healthcare, even as economic activities that would improve the livelihoods of women are being championed at the grassroots level.
“The Ward Development Committee (WDC) at the ward levels also has a strong women presence, which ensures that the concerns of women are duly tabled for actionable decision-making.
“These are in addition to other key reforms being undertaken at the state level to protect women and other vulnerable persons, especially with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and other key interventions.
“We believe that with these key initiatives, we are providing a safe space in Edo State for women in rural areas to thrive and live the best version of their lives without let.”
