IWD: Advocacy Groups Conduct Market Outreach in Bayelsa

The event, themed “Give to Gain,” brought together market women, community members, and advocates who shared messages encouraging generosity, unity, and collective responsibility in supporting women and children within society.

During the outreach, members of the organisations interacted with traders and shared motivational messages highlighting the importance of women supporting one another and strengthening community bonds.

Speaking during the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation (ENWAF), Lady Eunice Nnachi, urged mothers and intending mothers to protect their children and avoid practices that expose them to trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

She cautioned against giving out children to strangers or individuals who may use them for criminal activities such as trafficking or organ harvesting, stressing that mothers have a crucial responsibility to safeguard their children’s future.

Lady Nnachi also emphasized the need for parents to guide their children away from harmful habits, particularly drug abuse, noting that early parental guidance and community vigilance are vital in ensuring that young people grow up to become responsible members of society.

In her remarks, the Executive Director of Voice of the Ijaw Girl Child, Mrs. Timipre Tobi Ebiringa, encouraged women to embrace the spirit of giving and mutual support. She noted that women can achieve greater progress when they stand together and support each other in times of need.

According to her, the theme “Give to Gain” reflects the principle that acts of kindness and support within communities often yield long-term benefits, especially for vulnerable women and young girls.

Also speaking, the Bayelsa State Chairperson of Standup for Women Society (SWS), Mrs. Lib Inaingo Tobin-West, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting women’s welfare, empowerment, and active participation in community development.

She noted that advocacy and awareness campaigns remain essential in addressing issues affecting women and girls, particularly in grassroots communities.

Tobin-West also expressed appreciation to the collaborating organisations whose partnership made the outreach successful, describing the initiative as a demonstration of what can be achieved when advocacy groups work together for a common cause.

The outreach ended with further engagement with traders and community members, reinforcing the message of unity, empowerment, and protection of women and children.

Other members of the organisations, including Mrs. Esther Tiemo, Mrs. Tina Dinikpete, and Mrs. Elizabeth Vivian, stressed the importance of simple hygiene practices, National Identity Management Commission (NIN) registration, and general wellness. They urged women to maintain healthy lifestyles, keep their environment clean, and ensure proper documentation to enable access to social services and government opportunities.