Patience Jonathan Flags Off ‘Women For Change Initiative’

PHOTO: L-R: MRS. HELEN DAVID MARK; FIRST LADY, DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN; MINISTER OF WOMEN AFFAIRS, MRS. JOSEPHINE ANENIH; AND US AMBASSADOR TO NIGERIA, MS. ROBIN SANDERS, DURING THE LAUNCH OF THE FIRST LADY'S PROJECT 'WOMEN FOR CHANGE INITIATIVE,' AND THE HOSTING OF THE AMBASSADOR HELD AT THE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT CENTRE, ABUJA TODAY, JULY 16, 2010.

ABUJA, July 16, (THEWILL) - The much publicized pet project of the First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, ‘Women for Change Initiative’ was today launched in Abuja with fanfare with a charge to the Governors’ wives to advise their husbands positively especially in the appointment of women into elective positions henceforth.

The First Lady submitted that the idea of the project is the total restoration of the dignity of womanhood in the country apart from careful support of women in leadership positions.

She said that the convention on all forms of discrimination against women which Nigeria is a signatory, already serves as a blueprint for all to follow stating that violence, be it religious or ethnic, should be done away with because women are at the receiving end after all.

"I am particularly concerned about the education of women, especially the girl-child so that they can take their rightful position in the scheme of things", she said.

Mrs. Jonathan told women not to sit on the fence when it comes to taking decisions on violence-related issues but should speak out against such vices for the good of the country, especially when it concerns their immediate family members.

"If some women see their husbands or children stealing, kidnapping, killing innocent souls they will keep quiet and will not make any effort to stop them", she said, urging them to improve positively in this direction.

She urged the Governors’ wives to carry this message of hope back and spread same to all the nooks and crannies to the grassroots in order to bring about even development.

"My ultimate goal in all parts of the country is to enlighten women and children to encourage their husbands so that we all live in peace with one another which brings about meaningful development", she said.

She pledged her support and encouragement to both the Governors’ wives, wives of Local Government Chairmen in the country, wives of traditional rulers, adding that she will always be there for them.