Anambra Partners WINET to Strengthen Women’s Rights, Intensify Fight Against Gender Based Violence
The Anambra State Government has pledged to partner with the Women Information Network (WINET) to strengthen women’s rights organisations and intensify efforts to prevent gender based violence across the state.
The commitment was made during an advocacy visit by WINET and other women led organisations to the Anambra State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget in Awka under the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement project, Strengthening Women’s Rights Organisations in Nigeria for Gender Based Violence Prevention.
Speaking on behalf of WINET’s Executive Director, Mrs. Miriam Menkiti, the organisation’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mrs. Chinelo Dim, said the project is designed to enhance collaboration among women’s rights groups and key stakeholders through advocacy, capacity building and movement strengthening.
She disclosed that WINET had already organised a nationwide webinar to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, where participants from across Nigeria, including persons with disabilities, were equipped with practical strategies for building stronger women’s movements to combat gender based violence.
Mrs. Dim also revealed that the organisation is compiling a comprehensive directory of women led organisations, women’s rights groups, male allies, community based organisations and Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the South East to improve networking, coordination and referral services for survivors of gender based violence.
She announced plans to begin regional capacity building workshops and appealed to the Anambra State Government to support the successful implementation of the initiative.
Responding, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Chukwukadibia Okoye, described WINET’s intervention as consistent with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to gender inclusion, women’s empowerment and the protection of vulnerable groups.
He noted that Anambra has continued to implement policies and programmes that promote gender equality, strengthen responses to gender based violence and empower women economically.
Mr. Okoye assured the delegation that the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget would provide the necessary coordination for the project, while the Ministry of Women Affairs would serve as WINET’s primary implementation partner in the state.
He added that the state government remains committed to measurable development outcomes and pledged continuous collaboration, monitoring and support to ensure the success of programmes aimed at preventing gender based violence and advancing the rights of women in Anambra State.
