The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with Thelema Lion Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation, has empowered 700 persons with farm inputs, and business startup equipment in Imo.
Our correspondent reports that the empowerment took place at the third edition of the Women Arise Symposium in Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise council area of Imo, on Wednesday.
The beneficiaries, selected from Onicha and other communities in the Ezinihitte Mbaise council area of Imo were empowered with farm inputs such as hybrid maize seeds improved green veggies seedlings.
The distributed equipment included knapsack sprayers, hair dryers, one mini petrol generator, welding, sewing, grinding and water drilling machines.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu said that the empowerment programme was aimed at helping beneficiaries to successfully make their own financial decisions, voice their needs and participate in safety decisions.
Ojukwu, represented by the NHRC’s Coordinator in Imo, Dr Valentine Madubuko, emphasized that a core principle of the Care Act 2014, is the prioritization of person-centered care.
“ NHRC will continue to support activities that promote and protect human rights in society and environment “, he said.
Also speaking, the Founder Thelema Lion Foundation, Mrs Ifeoma Agu said that the empowerment underscored the undeniable link between economic power and social freedom.
She added that women topped the list of beneficiaries because when women are economically empowered, they gain not only financial independence but also a voice, a choice, and the dignity to live free from discrimination and oppression.
Agu, who spoke on the theme: “Economic Empowerment: A Safeguard for Gender Equity and Human Rights “, added that the foundation would continue to ensure that every woman, regardless of her background, could rise, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to society.
“ At Thelema Lion Foundation, we believe that empowering women economically is one of the most powerful tools for safeguarding gender equity and advancing human rights.
“ When a woman is empowered, a family is strengthened, communities prosper and nations grow “, she said.
Also, the traditional ruler of Onicha Amiri autonomous community, Eze Jude Alozie, prayed divine blessings on the facilitators and advised the beneficiaries to put the gifts to judicious use.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Chioma Osuagwu, thanked the facilitators and promised to create wealth using the inputs she received.